The finding of the Omicron variant in southern Africa has fueled suggestions that low vaccination rates foster viral mutations, which can subsequently spread to nations with greater vaccination rates.

Only one in 15 Africans fully vaccinated: Vaccine discrimination risks leaving Africa behind

South Africa reported a surge in COVID-19 cases as the Omicron variant continued to spread across the country. Health officials reported over 16,000 coronavirus cases with the total number of infections crossing three million.

Omicron spreads to more provinces in South Africa; Gauteng worst-hit

Reports say at least 61 people have been detected with the virus onboard two KLM flights from South Africa. The authorities are conducting tests to find out if the passengers have been affected by the new Omicron variant.

Passengers arriving from South Africa at Amsterdam airport test positive for COVID-19