A new variant of the coronavirus, termed the ‘Omicron’ variant, has been identified in southern Africa and has already sparked new travel bans and restrictions across the world. The variant has already been identified in cases in Europe, and may be responsible for an uptick in cases in southern Africa.
The variant is a highly mutated form of the coronavirus which causes COVID-19, and is reported to be more contagious. Researchers are still assessing its mortality rate.
Whether the existing coronavirus vaccine offerings are effective against this new variant remain unknown, though health officials still encourage vaccinations and booster shots for those eligible.
The variant emerges as unrest grows in several countries over restrictions officials say are needed to end the pandemic. In the Netherlands, crowds fought with police after new restrictions were announced. In Italy and Austria, large protests took place over restrictions on unvaccinated individuals.
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