Scientists have discovered a ‘stealth version’ of the Omicron Covid variant that is difficult to detect using the standard lab tests, the Guardian reported. The scientists in the UK found that the stealth variant has a number of mutations similar to the Omicron variant, but it lacks a particular genetic change, called S-Gene drop-out, that helps PCR tests to flag probable cases.

Scientists discover ‘stealth version’ of Omicron variant that is ‘harder to track’ using PCR tests

Nepal reported its first two cases of the omicron variant of coronavirus, the health ministry informed on Monday. Two individuals are foreign nations who had come to Nepal for business purpose.

Nepal reports its first two Omicron variant cases, to speed up vaccine process

It's been two weeks since the omicron variant was first detected and there is still no consensus on where it first emerged — Africa or Europe? Scientists are split on its origin, but what they agree on is that this variant is odd.

As Omicron variant of Covid spreads, is India really ready this time?

Omicron cases have been alarmingly increasing across the world, and now Russia, too, has been infected by the new Covid variant. Russia reported its first two cases of the Omicron variant in citizens who had recently returned from South Africa.

Russia records its first Omicron Covid cases; Putin demands action plan

As South Africa battles a surge in coronavirus cases, reports claim hospitals in the country are bracing for more virus cases amid growing the Omicron variant threat.

Omicron spreads in South Africa as President Ramaphosa urges vaccination

The US embassy in Tokyo has claimed that foreign tourists were being stopped by the Japanese Police in a suspected case of racial profiling. The embassy in a tweet said it had received reports that a number of foreigners were detained and questioned by the police.

US embassy claims ‘racial profiling’ of foreigners by Japanese police

The United Kingdom health authorities confirmed on Sunday that 86 more cases of Omicron Covid have been reported in the country. This brings the total cases in the UK to 246.

Omicron scare: In the United Kingdom, new cases increase by 50%  in a single day

While several international governments have been re-instating travel restrictions and other Covid related rules, the World Health Organization (WHO) and coronavirus experts believe the variant is only 'super mild'.

Is Omicron threat as big as the hype? Read what WHO experts say

The new variant of coronavirus is spreading rapidly across India. Seven more cases of the Omicron have been reported in Maharashtra and nine in Jaipur today. With the additional cases in Maharashtra and Jaipur, the tally of Omicron infections has increased to 21 in India.

Covid: India reports 16 new cases of Omicron variant, tally rises to 21

A British scientist has warned the world that the emergence and spread of the Omicron variant of coronavirus shows that the world is closer to the start of a pandemic than the end.

Omicron variant proof that Covid pandemic is just starting, warns UK scientist