The World Health Organisation(WHO) on Friday classified the new coronavirus strain detected in South Africa as a "variant of concern".

The world health body named the new B.1.1.529 strain as Omicron.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-virus-variant-detected-in-europe-as-belgium-reports-first-case-432173">Also Read:&nbsp;&nbsp;South Africa says UK’s travel ban order 'seems rushed'</a>

"Based on the evidence presented indicative of a detrimental change in COVID-19 epidemiology, the WHO has designated B.1.1.529 as a variant of concern, named Omicron," it said.

The variant entered Europe as Belgium reported the first case as European nations moved to impose travel ban&nbsp;on South Africa&nbsp;and other southern African countries.

Watch:&nbsp;New variant of Wuhan virus discovered

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European Commission urged EU countries to "introduce rapidly restrictions on all travel into the EU from seven countries in the Southern Africa region" as Europe began to fortify its response against the virus.

Officials in Belgium said the Omicron strain was detected in a traveller from Egypt. The new virus strain was reportedly detected in South Africa's Gauteng province.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-threat-what-we-know-about-covid-b11529-or-nu-variant-supposedly-dangerous-than-delta-432075">Also Read:&nbsp;Here's what we know about Covid B.1.1.529, likely deadlier than Delta</a>

“This variant has a large number of mutations, some of which are concerning,” the WHO said, adding, "preliminary evidence suggests an increased risk of reinfection with this variant&nbsp;as compared to other variants of concern."

The&nbsp;new variant announcement and the resultant travel ban imposed by European nations hit world markets as US oil prices plunged.

(With inputs from Agencies)

The World Health Organisation(WHO) on Friday classified the new coronavirus strain detected in South Africa as a "variant of concern". The world health body named the new B.

The World Health Organisation(WHO) on Friday classified the new coronavirus strain detected in South Africa as a "variant of concern". The world health body named the new B.1.1.529 strain as Omicron. Also Read: South Africa says UK’s travel ban order 'seems rushed' "Based on the evidence presented indicative of a detrimental change in COVID-19 epidemiology, the WHO has designated B.1.1.529 as a variant of concern, named Omicron," it said. The variant entered Europe as Belgium reported the first case as European nations moved to impose travel ban on South Africa and other southern African countries. Watch: New variant of Wuhan virus discovered European Commission urged EU countries to "introduce rapidly restrictions on all travel into the EU from seven countries in the Southern Africa region" as Europe began to fortify its response against the virus. Officials in Belgium said the Omicron strain was detected in a traveller from Egypt. The new virus strain was reportedly detected in South Africa's Gauteng province. Also Read: Here's what we know about Covid B.1.1.529, likely deadlier than Delta “This variant has a large number of mutations, some of which are concerning,” the WHO said, adding, "preliminary evidence suggests an increased risk of reinfection with this variant as compared to other variants of concern." The new variant announcement and the resultant travel ban imposed by European nations hit world markets as US oil prices plunged. (With inputs from Agencies)

WHO classifies new COVID-19 strain as 'variant of concern'; names it Omicron

As Belgium reported the first case of the new &nbsp;B.1.1.529 variant, the European presidency said today that its crisis committee had "agreed on the need to activate the emergency brake and impose temporary restriction on all travel into EU from southern Africa."

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/COVID19?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#COVID19</a> | ❗️Integrated Political Crisis Response mechanism (<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IPCR?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IPCR</a>) met &amp; agreed on the need to activate the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/emergency?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#emergency</a> break &amp; impose temporary restriction on all travel into EU from southern <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Africa?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Africa</a>.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/EU2021SI?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#EU2021SI</a> called upon Members to test &amp; quarantine all incoming passengers.❗️
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The council called upon members to test and quarantine all incoming passengers, it added.

Reports said the restrictions would be applied to South Africa and six other African countries.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-virus-variant-detected-in-europe-as-belgium-reports-first-case-432173">Also Read:&nbsp;New virus variant detected in Europe</a>

European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen had earlier called for an "emergency brake to stop air travel from the southern African region" as the B.1.1.529 variant created panic worldwide.

European Commission spokesman had said earlier said that the bloc needed to "act very fast" and stay vigilant to prevent the virus from entering Europe.&nbsp;

However, Belgium reported the first case as the country's authorities reported a person travelling from Egypt was detected with the virus.

Italy moved to ban travellers entering from South Africa including seven other nations after South Africa reported the new variant created a large number of mutants. Germany and Britain have also banned travellers coming from South Africa.

The World Health Organisation had however cautioned against imposing a travel ban as it said it would take weeks to understand data related to the virus variant. WHO added that at least a hundred sequences of the variant have been detected so far while urging people to continue wearing masks.

(With inputs from Agencies)

As Belgium reported the first case of the new B.1.1.529 variant, the European presidency said today that its crisis committee had "agreed on the need to activate the emergency brake and impose temporary restriction on all travel into EU from southern Africa.

As Belgium reported the first case of the new B.1.1.529 variant, the European presidency said today that its crisis committee had "agreed on the need to activate the emergency brake and impose temporary restriction on all travel into EU from southern Africa." #COVID19 | ❗️Integrated Political Crisis Response mechanism (#IPCR) met & agreed on the need to activate the #emergency break & impose temporary restriction on all travel into EU from southern #Africa.#EU2021SI called upon Members to test & quarantine all incoming passengers.❗️ — EU2021SI (@EU2021SI) November 26, 2021 × The council called upon members to test and quarantine all incoming passengers, it added. Reports said the restrictions would be applied to South Africa and six other African countries. Also Read: New virus variant detected in Europe European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen had earlier called for an "emergency brake to stop air travel from the southern African region" as the B.1.1.529 variant created panic worldwide. European Commission spokesman had said earlier said that the bloc needed to "act very fast" and stay vigilant to prevent the virus from entering Europe. However, Belgium reported the first case as the country's authorities reported a person travelling from Egypt was detected with the virus. Italy moved to ban travellers entering from South Africa including seven other nations after South Africa reported the new variant created a large number of mutants. Germany and Britain have also banned travellers coming from South Africa. The World Health Organisation had however cautioned against imposing a travel ban as it said it would take weeks to understand data related to the virus variant. WHO added that at least a hundred sequences of the variant have been detected so far while urging people to continue wearing masks. (With inputs from Agencies)

EU's crisis mechanism proposes temporary restriction on all travel from southern Africa

Stock markets and oil prices plunged Friday over fears of a new coronavirus variant that scientists warn could be more infectious than Delta and more resistant to vaccines, potentially dealing a heavy blow to the global economic recovery.

Haven investments the yen and Swiss franc rallied but the dollar floundered.

Share prices of airlines and tourism groups dived as countries put in new travel restrictions, while there were big losses also for energy groups.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-virus-variant-detected-in-europe-as-belgium-reports-first-case-432173">Also Read:&nbsp;New virus variant detected in Europe as Belgium reports first case</a>

"Stock markets fell sharply... as fears a new Covid variant will lead to fresh lockdowns, mobility restrictions and lower economic growth," noted Neil Wilson, chief market analyst at Markets.com.

Europe's main equity markets were down at least three percent in afternoon trading following sharp falls in Asia.

On Wall Street, the Dow slumped 2.5 per cent in its shortened trading day following Thursday's Thanksgiving holiday.

US crude oil prices tumbled 10 per cent, with the main international contract down over nine per cent.

"It's Black Friday today for the retailers, but it's 'Red Friday' right now for the stock market," said Patrick O'Hare at Briefing.com.

Justin Tang at United First Partners said that while the latest news was worrying, "the world has gone through this before" with the Delta variant, adding that governments were more adept at knowing how to deal with the situation.

"Mutations are expected and not something unknown," he said.

The World Health Organization cautioned against imposing new travel restrictions over the new Covid-19 variant B.1.1.529.

It added that it would take "a few weeks" for researchers to understand the impact of the variant detected in South Africa.

Germany's BioNTech said it was studying how well the coronavirus vaccine it developed with US drugs giant Pfizer protects against the new variant.

"We expect more data from the laboratory tests in two weeks at the latest. These data will provide more information about whether B.1.1.529 could be an escape variant that may require an adjustment of our vaccine if the variant spreads globally," a BioNTech spokesperson said.

Belgium later reported the first case of the variant in Europe.

Traders were keeping a wary eye also on the Federal Reserve as the US central bank considers its next moves to fight soaring global inflation, which is an additional threat to economic recovery.

Some officials at the bank have flagged a quicker pace of tapering the Fed's vast bond-buying stimulus programme, with a hike in US interest rates coming possibly in the middle of next year.

"The increased openness to accelerating the taper pace likely reflects both somewhat higher-than-expected inflation over the last two months and greater comfort among Fed officials that a faster pace would not shock financial markets," Goldman Sachs said in a note to clients.

However, Briefing.com's O'Hare said the emergence of the new variant, if it is confirmed to be more transmissible and evade current vaccines, could change the view on the Fed's move.

"The manner in which the B.1.1.529 variant evolves, though, could potentially change the market's perspective on the matter," he said.

"Certainly, in the heat of today's headline moment, there will be added concern about the Fed making a policy mistake" if it accelerates the tapering of its stimulus programme.

Stock markets and oil prices plunged Friday over fears of a new coronavirus variant that scientists warn could be more infectious than Delta and more resistant to vaccines, potentially dealing a heavy blow to the global economic recovery.

Stock markets and oil prices plunged Friday over fears of a new coronavirus variant that scientists warn could be more infectious than Delta and more resistant to vaccines, potentially dealing a heavy blow to the global economic recovery. Haven investments the yen and Swiss franc rallied but the dollar floundered. Share prices of airlines and tourism groups dived as countries put in new travel restrictions, while there were big losses also for energy groups. Also Read: New virus variant detected in Europe as Belgium reports first case "Stock markets fell sharply... as fears a new Covid variant will lead to fresh lockdowns, mobility restrictions and lower economic growth," noted Neil Wilson, chief market analyst at Markets.com. Europe's main equity markets were down at least three percent in afternoon trading following sharp falls in Asia. On Wall Street, the Dow slumped 2.5 per cent in its shortened trading day following Thursday's Thanksgiving holiday. US crude oil prices tumbled 10 per cent, with the main international contract down over nine per cent. "It's Black Friday today for the retailers, but it's 'Red Friday' right now for the stock market," said Patrick O'Hare at Briefing.com. Justin Tang at United First Partners said that while the latest news was worrying, "the world has gone through this before" with the Delta variant, adding that governments were more adept at knowing how to deal with the situation. "Mutations are expected and not something unknown," he said. The World Health Organization cautioned against imposing new travel restrictions over the new Covid-19 variant B.1.1.529. It added that it would take "a few weeks" for researchers to understand the impact of the variant detected in South Africa. Germany's BioNTech said it was studying how well the coronavirus vaccine it developed with US drugs giant Pfizer protects against the new variant. "We expect more data from the laboratory tests in two weeks at the latest. These data will provide more information about whether B.1.1.529 could be an escape variant that may require an adjustment of our vaccine if the variant spreads globally," a BioNTech spokesperson said. Belgium later reported the first case of the variant in Europe. Traders were keeping a wary eye also on the Federal Reserve as the US central bank considers its next moves to fight soaring global inflation, which is an additional threat to economic recovery. Some officials at the bank have flagged a quicker pace of tapering the Fed's vast bond-buying stimulus programme, with a hike in US interest rates coming possibly in the middle of next year. "The increased openness to accelerating the taper pace likely reflects both somewhat higher-than-expected inflation over the last two months and greater comfort among Fed officials that a faster pace would not shock financial markets," Goldman Sachs said in a note to clients. However, Briefing.com's O'Hare said the emergence of the new variant, if it is confirmed to be more transmissible and evade current vaccines, could change the view on the Fed's move. "The manner in which the B.1.1.529 variant evolves, though, could potentially change the market's perspective on the matter," he said. "Certainly, in the heat of today's headline moment, there will be added concern about the Fed making a policy mistake" if it accelerates the tapering of its stimulus programme.

Stocks tumble, oil prices slump amid concerns over new virus variant

As Europe reported the first case of the new coronavirus variant B.1.1.529, President Biden's chief medical officer Anthony Fauci said the variant hadn't arrived in the country even as US scientists work with South African medical experts.

Fauci while speaking to CNN said that efforts are being made to test the virus variant in order to understand whether it evades the antibodies created by vaccines.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/will-take-weeks-to-understand-new-virus-variant-says-who-432124">Also Read:&nbsp;&nbsp;Will take weeks to understand new virus variant, says WHO</a>

Fauci conceded that the mutations have been raising "some concern" although he insisted that the US is pushing to get "scientific data" in order to better understand the new variant.

The director of the National Institutes of Allergy and Infectious Diseases told the US television channel that more information is needed about the variant before a travel ban can be issued.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-virus-variant-detected-in-europe-as-belgium-reports-first-case-432173">Also Read:&nbsp;New virus variant detected in Europe as Belgium reports first case</a>

The European Medicines Agency(EMA)&nbsp;said it was "closely monitoring" the &nbsp;B.1.1.529 variant while adding that "current information is insufficient to determine if this variant is going to spread significantly and to what extent it may evade the immunity received with vaccines."&nbsp;

Germany's BioNTech which together produces the vaccine with Pfizer also echoed similar views informing that it needs data to understand the virus variant and it would need "two weeks at the latest".

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-africa-says-uks-travel-ban-order-seems-rushed-as-new-covid-variant-raises-alarm-432166">Also Read:&nbsp;South Africa says UK’s travel ban order 'seems rushed' as new Covid variant raises alarm</a> 
&nbsp; 
Meanwhile, European Commission president Ursula Von Der Leyen urged a "swift" response to the virus while adding that the body&nbsp;has proposed to activate the "emergency brake on travel from southern African countries" including other countries affected by the virus.

"All air travel to these countries should be suspended, they should be suspended until we have a clear understanding about the dangers posed by this new variant," the European Commission chief added.

Morocco became the latest country to block travellers coming from southern African countries as panic over the new virus variant began to spread worldwide.

(With inputs from Agencies)

As Europe reported the first case of the new coronavirus variant B.1.1.529, President Biden's chief medical officer Anthony Fauci said the variant hadn't arrived in the country even as US scientists work with South African medical experts.

As Europe reported the first case of the new coronavirus variant B.1.1.529, President Biden's chief medical officer Anthony Fauci said the variant hadn't arrived in the country even as US scientists work with South African medical experts. Fauci while speaking to CNN said that efforts are being made to test the virus variant in order to understand whether it evades the antibodies created by vaccines. Also Read: Will take weeks to understand new virus variant, says WHO Fauci conceded that the mutations have been raising "some concern" although he insisted that the US is pushing to get "scientific data" in order to better understand the new variant. The director of the National Institutes of Allergy and Infectious Diseases told the US television channel that more information is needed about the variant before a travel ban can be issued. Also Read: New virus variant detected in Europe as Belgium reports first case The European Medicines Agency(EMA) said it was "closely monitoring" the B.1.1.529 variant while adding that "current information is insufficient to determine if this variant is going to spread significantly and to what extent it may evade the immunity received with vaccines." Germany's BioNTech which together produces the vaccine with Pfizer also echoed similar views informing that it needs data to understand the virus variant and it would need "two weeks at the latest". Also Read: South Africa says UK’s travel ban order 'seems rushed' as new Covid variant raises alarm Meanwhile, European Commission president Ursula Von Der Leyen urged a "swift" response to the virus while adding that the body has proposed to activate the "emergency brake on travel from southern African countries" including other countries affected by the virus. "All air travel to these countries should be suspended, they should be suspended until we have a clear understanding about the dangers posed by this new variant," the European Commission chief added. Morocco became the latest country to block travellers coming from southern African countries as panic over the new virus variant began to spread worldwide. (With inputs from Agencies)

New coronavirus variant not in US right now, says Anthony Fauci

After South Africa announced it had detected the new virus variant B.1.1.529, Belgium became the first country in Europe to report the new case.

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In Belgium, one sample was confirmed as the novel B.1.1.529 variant (in a returning traveller from Egypt (11/11); first symptoms on 22/11).
— Marc Van Ranst (@vanranstmarc) <a href="https://twitter.com/vanranstmarc/status/1464223622747283460?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 26, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Belgium's health minister Frank Vandenbroucke reported the new case even as several countries in Europe have been battling the fourth wave.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-threat-heres-what-we-know-about-covid-b11529-or-nu-variant-likely-deadlier-than-delta-432075">Also Read:&nbsp;Here's what we know about Covid B.1.1.529 or Nu variant, likely deadlier than Delta</a>

Belgium said the traveller had returned from Egypt.

Several countries in Europe including Germany, Italy, the Netherlands and Austria introduced travel bans&nbsp;on South Africa including on neighbouring countries namely Zimbabwe, Zambia, Botswana and others.

Watch:&nbsp;Why some viruses mutate faster than others?

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However, the World Health Organisation(WHO) cautioned against travel bans imposed by several countries on South Africa while adding that it will take several weeks to understand the new variant.&nbsp;

Germany's health minister Jens Spahn said the "new variant causes even more problems" as the country battles a virus surge.&nbsp; Chancellor Merkel had said last week that the current coronavirus curbs were not enough as the country combats the new virus wave.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australia-says-borders-to-remain-open-to-south-africa-despite-concerns-over-new-covid-variant-432156">Also Read:&nbsp;Australia says borders to remain open to South Africa&nbsp;</a>

The Netherlands had witnessed large scale riots as people protested against lockdown measures. Austria is already on a lockdown amid a surge in cases as many other European nations&nbsp;have reimposed restrictions.

France said it has suspended all flights from southern Africa for 48 hours.

(With inputs from Agencies)

After South Africa announced it had detected the new virus variant B.1.1.529, Belgium became the first country in Europe to report the new case. In Belgium, one sample was confirmed as the novel B.

After South Africa announced it had detected the new virus variant B.1.1.529, Belgium became the first country in Europe to report the new case. In Belgium, one sample was confirmed as the novel B.1.1.529 variant (in a returning traveller from Egypt (11/11); first symptoms on 22/11). — Marc Van Ranst (@vanranstmarc) November 26, 2021 × Belgium's health minister Frank Vandenbroucke reported the new case even as several countries in Europe have been battling the fourth wave. Also Read: Here's what we know about Covid B.1.1.529 or Nu variant, likely deadlier than Delta Belgium said the traveller had returned from Egypt. Several countries in Europe including Germany, Italy, the Netherlands and Austria introduced travel bans on South Africa including on neighbouring countries namely Zimbabwe, Zambia, Botswana and others. Watch: Why some viruses mutate faster than others? However, the World Health Organisation(WHO) cautioned against travel bans imposed by several countries on South Africa while adding that it will take several weeks to understand the new variant. Germany's health minister Jens Spahn said the "new variant causes even more problems" as the country battles a virus surge. Chancellor Merkel had said last week that the current coronavirus curbs were not enough as the country combats the new virus wave. Also Read: Australia says borders to remain open to South Africa The Netherlands had witnessed large scale riots as people protested against lockdown measures. Austria is already on a lockdown amid a surge in cases as many other European nations have reimposed restrictions. France said it has suspended all flights from southern Africa for 48 hours. (With inputs from Agencies)

New virus variant detected in Europe as Belgium reports first case

Amid growing concern over the new virus variant B.1.1.529, the World Health Organisation(WHO) said it will take several weeks to understand the new variant which was reported by South Africa.

The world health body cautioned against imposing travel restrictions as several countries imposed travel ban on South Africa and its neighbouring countries.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-threat-what-we-know-about-covid-b11529-or-nu-variant-supposedly-dangerous-than-delta-432075">Also Read:&nbsp;What we know about Covid B.1.1.529 or Nu variant, supposedly dangerous than Delta</a>

"Researchers are working to understand more about the mutations and what they potentially mean for how transmissible or virulent this variant is," WHO's spokesperson said. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The WHO added that travel restrictions should be "risk-based" and countries should follow a "scientific approach".

"Implementing travel measures is being cautioned against," the health body added.

Israel announced it had identified the first case of the new virus variant which was discovered in South Africa with two more suspected cases reported from people returning from abroad. Israel's health ministry said all three people were vaccinated.

According to South African scientists, the new variant showed ten mutations compared to Beta which showed three and Delta which had mutated twice.

Watch:&nbsp;Stocks markets under pressure after new variant emerges

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Several countries curbed flights from South Africa with UK, Germany and Italy imposing restrictions.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/highly-mutated-new-covid-variant-uk-bans-6-african-nations-flights-who-calls-special-meeting-432019">Also Read:&nbsp;Highly mutated new Covid variant: UK bans 6 African nations' flights</a>

The German government announced those returning from South Africa would have to undergo quarantine even if they are vaccinated as the country battles the fourth wave.&nbsp;

Italy banned people who visited South Africa including Zimbabwe, Lesotho, Botswana, Mozambique and Namibia.

UK moved to ban flights from six African countries including South Africa. However, South Africa's foreign ministry criticised the move asserting UK's decision was "rushed as even the World Health Organisation is yet to advise on the next steps."

The coronavirus cases in South Africa have surged recently even as experts said it was due to the new variant.&nbsp;

(With inputs from Agencies)

Amid growing concern over the new virus variant B.1.1.529, the World Health Organisation(WHO) said it will take several weeks to understand the new variant which was reported by South Africa.

Amid growing concern over the new virus variant B.1.1.529, the World Health Organisation(WHO) said it will take several weeks to understand the new variant which was reported by South Africa. The world health body cautioned against imposing travel restrictions as several countries imposed travel ban on South Africa and its neighbouring countries. Also Read: What we know about Covid B.1.1.529 or Nu variant, supposedly dangerous than Delta "Researchers are working to understand more about the mutations and what they potentially mean for how transmissible or virulent this variant is," WHO's spokesperson said. The WHO added that travel restrictions should be "risk-based" and countries should follow a "scientific approach". "Implementing travel measures is being cautioned against," the health body added. Israel announced it had identified the first case of the new virus variant which was discovered in South Africa with two more suspected cases reported from people returning from abroad. Israel's health ministry said all three people were vaccinated. According to South African scientists, the new variant showed ten mutations compared to Beta which showed three and Delta which had mutated twice. Watch: Stocks markets under pressure after new variant emerges Several countries curbed flights from South Africa with UK, Germany and Italy imposing restrictions. Also Read: Highly mutated new Covid variant: UK bans 6 African nations' flights The German government announced those returning from South Africa would have to undergo quarantine even if they are vaccinated as the country battles the fourth wave. Italy banned people who visited South Africa including Zimbabwe, Lesotho, Botswana, Mozambique and Namibia. UK moved to ban flights from six African countries including South Africa. However, South Africa's foreign ministry criticised the move asserting UK's decision was "rushed as even the World Health Organisation is yet to advise on the next steps." The coronavirus cases in South Africa have surged recently even as experts said it was due to the new variant. (With inputs from Agencies)

Will take weeks to understand new virus variant, says WHO

Scientists have detected a new coronavirus variant in South Africa that has a large number of mutations.

Across Africa, vaccination rates are lower than much of the rest of the world, with many countries struggling to secure enough doses.

Blaming the new COVID-19 variant on the surge in new cases, virologist Tulio de Oliveira said ''Unfortunately we have detected a new variant which is a reason for concern in South Africa.''

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''It has a very high number of mutations,'' he added.

The variant goes by the scientific lineage number B.1.1.529 and has also been detected in Botswana and Hong Kong. 
&nbsp; 
Calling the variant a cause of "serious concern," Health Minister Joe Phaahla said it was detected among travellers from South Africa.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-world-continues-to-battle-the-delta-variant-a-new-variant-worse-than-delta-emerges-431786" hreflang="en">As world continues to battle the Delta variant, a new variant emerges</a>

About 35 per cent&nbsp;of adult South Africans are fully vaccinated, higher than in most other African nations, but half the government's year-end target.&nbsp;

It has averaged 106,000 doses a day in the past 15 days in a nation of 60 million people.

Daily infections shot to more than 1,200 cases on Wednesday, from around 100 earlier this month.

The growth in infection numbers have been driven by the Delta variant until now.

The Beta variant of the virus was detected in South Africa last year.

(With inputs from agencies)

Scientists have detected a new coronavirus variant in South Africa that has a large number of mutations. Across Africa, vaccination rates are lower than much of the rest of the world, with many countries struggling to secure enough doses.

Scientists have detected a new coronavirus variant in South Africa that has a large number of mutations. Across Africa, vaccination rates are lower than much of the rest of the world, with many countries struggling to secure enough doses. Blaming the new COVID-19 variant on the surge in new cases, virologist Tulio de Oliveira said ''Unfortunately we have detected a new variant which is a reason for concern in South Africa.'' ''It has a very high number of mutations,'' he added. The variant goes by the scientific lineage number B.1.1.529 and has also been detected in Botswana and Hong Kong. Calling the variant a cause of "serious concern," Health Minister Joe Phaahla said it was detected among travellers from South Africa. Also read | As world continues to battle the Delta variant, a new variant emerges About 35 per cent of adult South Africans are fully vaccinated, higher than in most other African nations, but half the government's year-end target. It has averaged 106,000 doses a day in the past 15 days in a nation of 60 million people. Daily infections shot to more than 1,200 cases on Wednesday, from around 100 earlier this month. The growth in infection numbers have been driven by the Delta variant until now. The Beta variant of the virus was detected in South Africa last year. (With inputs from agencies)

New coronavirus variant, having large number of mutations, detected in South Africa

b11529

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