The new Covid-19 variant Omicron has been detected in several countries round the world, prompting measures such as travel restrictions and mask mandates. In some countries, these measures are quite strict. This new strain, first discovered in South Africa, is now present in the UK, in the Netherlands, Denmark, Belgium, Botswana, Germany, the Czech Republic, Australia, Hong Kong, Israel, and Italy. Since this new strain has over 30 mutations in its spike protein, it’s believed to be vaccine-resistant and prolong the almost two-year pandemic. Experts do not know yet if it will cause more of less severe Covid-19.

The UK Health Secretary confirmed this Saturday they have identified two cases of the new Covid-19 variant Omicron. Authorities mentioned that the individuals who have tested positive, as well as all members of their households, are being re-tested and have been told to self-isolate. In The Netherlands, sixty-one people who arrived in Amsterdam on two flights from South Africa have tested positive for Covid-19, Dutch officials say. Omicron variant has probably arrived in Germany after mutations were found in a passenger from South Africa. Last Friday New York governor Kathy Hochul said that while the Omicron variant hasn’t been detected in the state, it is coming. New York is taking measures to limit a new winter wave of infections.

A new Covid-19 variant was discovered in South Africa and is spreading rapidly in parts of the country. South Africa’s Health Minister announced last Thursday the discovery of the new coronavirus strain – B.1.1.529. It’s unclear where it first emerged. So far, it has been detected in South Africa, Botswana and in a traveller to Hong Kong from South Africa. Genomic scientists said the variant has an unusual high number of mutations, with more than 30 in the spike protein, the structure the virus uses to get into the cells.

Europe is battling with a fresh wave of infections, making Covid-19 once again the number one cause of mortality in the region. Several nations have reported record-high infections, prompting states to introduce full and partial lockdowns.

With more than 65,000 new cases within the last 24 hours, Germany has recorded its highest single day surge of Covid infections. Chancellor Angela Merkel said the dramatic situation resulted from the fourth wave hitting the country with full force. The Robert Koch Institute, which is Germany’s disease and control centre, reported the alarming figures. But the chief of the centre mentioned that those figures are likely to be under reported and the true scale of infections could be twice or three times as many.