The world has a new variant of the Covid-19 virus to contend with.  Omicron was first detected in Botswana and has already been detected in the UK, Hong Kong, the Czech Republic and Australia. States and countries are locking borders to try to contain the spread.   

 

Dr Norman Swan is host of the ABC’s Health Report and the Coronacast podcast.  Dr Swan explains how and why new variants of the virus emerge.  He also explains what’s likely to happen next. 

 

How will the world cope with Omicron?  Will it be more contagious than Delta?  And how likely are we to catch it? 

 

Todays Headlines

• Border opening delayed as more Omicron cases detected

• ATAGI reviewing booster timetable following new variant

• Ghislaine Maxwell trial begins in New York
• Family of missing Belgian backpacker doubt police claims
• Twitter co-founder and CEO to step down
• Renowned Australian actor David Gulpilil dead at 68

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