The findings, which also show that the new variant partly dodges the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine, are based on only three weeks of data. Epidemiologists cautioned that the full picture is still emerging.
Author: Lynsey Chutel
Omicron May Cause Fewer Hospitalizations Than Previous Variants, Early Study Shows
The findings, which also show that the new variant decreases the efficacy of the Pfizer vaccine, are based on only three weeks of data, and epidemiologists have cautioned that more data is needed.
South Africa’s president tests positive for the coronavirus.
The 69-year-old leader was displaying mild Covid-19 symptoms. New cases in the country are rising quickly.
Coronavirus Cases Are Rising Among Children in South African Hospitals
The increase, observed in children’s wards at two major hospitals in South Africa, points to increased community transmission, doctors say.
Botswana’s President Says Diplomats With Omicron ‘Had Been to Europe’
Botswana and South Africa were the first countries to identify cases involving the Omicron variant, and an official in Botswana asserted that most of the initial 19 were “imported.”
Reinfections appear more common with Omicron, South African scientists say.
The scientists cautioned that much about the variant remains unknown, but as Omicron drives a surge of new cases in South Africa, they are gaining more insight into it.
South Africa Officials See ‘No Red Flags Yet’ on Omicron Variant
Officials said that while they need more data to be sure, existing treatments and precautions seem to be effective against the Omicron variant.
South Africa Feels Punished for Alerting World to New Variant
Hours after South African scientists announced the existence of a troublesome new variant, Britain banned travelers from southern Africa. The United States and other nations quickly followed suit.
New Covid Variant: What Scientists Know About Omicron
Scientists don’t know how effective vaccines will be against the new variant flagged by a team in South Africa, which displays mutations that might resist neutralization.