On Nov. 26, the World Health Organization named the Omicron variant of the coronavirus a new variant of concern.
So far it has been detected in South Africa and Botswana, as well as in travelers to Belgium, Britain, Germany, Israel, Italy, the Netherlands and Hong Kong.
The emergence of a new coronavirus variant in southern Africa has sparked global alarm because of its unprecedented series of genetic mutations.
The 50 mutations on the new B.1.1.529 variant, named Omicron by the World Health Organization, include more than 30 on the spike protein, the exposed part of the virus that binds with human cells.
