The World Health Organization (WHO) classified the newly detected coronavirus strain B.1.1.529, first identified in South Africa, as a variant of concern on Friday and it has been named Omicron. 

The global health agency labeled the variant as highly transmissible. It said that the new variant has several mutations and some of these are a cause for concern. It further stated that as per early evidence, the variant is associated with an increased risk of infection. The new strain has so far been found in several southern African nations, Israel and Belgium. Scientists in South Africa stated that certain mutations in the new strain are tied to resistance to neutralizing antibodies as well as increased transmissibility.

Several countries are imposing travel bans on southern African countries in order to curb the spread… (ET Healthworld – Timesofindia.com, November 27, 2021)