Several weeks after the Omicron variant was first identified, it has quickly spread across the world. Early data are showing clear signals that the latest variant of concern is able to evade immunity and spread at a rate faster than any other variant to date. But many questions remain unanswered about the severity of infection, the protection afforded by natural and vaccine-derived immunity, and the impact Omicron could have on the global pandemic response. In this episode, we delve into the very latest studies to take stock of where we are so far and, in a Coronapod first, take on questions sent in by Coronapod listeners.

News: How bad is Omicron? What scientists know so far

News: Omicron likely to weaken COVID vaccine protection

News: Omicron-variant border bans ignore the evidence, say scientists

News Feature: Beyond Omicron: what’s next for COVID’s viral evolution

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