JOHANNESBURG( Reuters)-South African scientists have detected a new coronavirus variant with multiple mutations but are yet to establish whether it is more contagious or able to overcome the immunity provided by vaccines or prior infection. The new variant, known as C.1.2, was first detected in May and has now spread to most South African provinces and to seven other countries in Africa, Europe, Asia and Oceania, according to research which is yet to be peer-reviewed.It contains many mutations a

Open this photo in gallery People queue outside a COVID-19 vaccination centre in Cape Town, South Africa, Aug.... 20, 2021. MIKE HUTCHINGS/ ReutersSouth African scientists have detected a new coronavirus variant with multiple mutations but are yet to establish whether it is more contagious or able to overcome the immunity provided by vaccines or prior infection. The new variant, known as C.1.2, was first detected in May and has now spread to most South African provinces and to seven other count

Professor John Edmunds a member of the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies( SAGE) said the Government will need to think about extending travel restrictions and introduce" local restrictions" in response to the new Omicron variant. The variant has been named Omicron by the World Health Organisation, following the pattern of Greek code-names like the Alpha and Delta variants. Further, Professor Chris Whitty said he fears Britons will not accept new lockdown restrictions after enduring almos

A new coronavirus variant has seen South Africa placed back on the UK’s red travel list with fears the variant has the potential to thwart immunity from vaccines or previous infections.... The B.1.1. 529 Covid variant-also known as the Botswana variant-has only been seen in a handful of cases so far, but the potential to evade immunity has seen it dubbed the “ worst we’ve seen so far ” by officials. Cases have increased quickly across South Africa, prompting the UK Government to place the count