Two passengers from South Africa tested positive for COVID-19 at an airport in India’ southern Karnataka state.

The authorities from the Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru city on Saturday said that their test samples have been sent to a virology lab to ascertain whether they are infected with Omicron variant of coronavirus.

The health department officials said the test results will take another 48 hours to arrive.

Both have been sent to quarantine centres, and they will stay there till their test results confirm the new variant.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/passengers-arriving-from-south-africa-at-amsterdam-airport-test-positive-for-covid-19-432380">Passengers arriving from South Africa at Amsterdam airport test positive for COVID-19</a>

Around 584 people landed in Bengaluru from 10 “high-risk” nations, out of which 94 individuals have come from South Africa alone, according to Bengaluru Rural Deputy Commissioner K Srinivas.

Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi convened a meeting with top bureaucrats to assess the Covid situation in the country.

During the meeting, Modi asked officials to review their order on easing international travel restrictions in the light of Omicron variant that is slowly being reported from various parts of the world.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/omicron-typical-mutations-were-found-in-a-traveller-says-german-minister-432392">Omicron-typical mutations were found in a traveller, says German minister</a>

He also asked officials to step up screening at all international airports and ensure that strict Covid guidelines are followed.

The prime minister highlighted the need for monitoring all international arrivals, their testing as per guidelines, with a specific focus on countries identified as 'at risk'.

The nations that are currently on the ‘at-risk’ list of India are – European countries, including the UK, South Africa, Brazil, Bangladesh, Botswana, China, Mauritius, New Zealand, Zimbabwe, Singapore, Hong Kong and Israel.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Two passengers from South Africa tested positive for COVID-19 at an airport in India’ southern Karnataka state. The authorities from the Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru city on Saturday said that their test samples have been sent to a virology lab to ascertain whether they are infected with Omicron variant of coronavirus.

Two passengers from South Africa tested positive for COVID-19 at an airport in India’ southern Karnataka state. The authorities from the Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru city on Saturday said that their test samples have been sent to a virology lab to ascertain whether they are infected with Omicron variant of coronavirus. The health department officials said the test results will take another 48 hours to arrive. Both have been sent to quarantine centres, and they will stay there till their test results confirm the new variant. Also read | Passengers arriving from South Africa at Amsterdam airport test positive for COVID-19 Around 584 people landed in Bengaluru from 10 “high-risk” nations, out of which 94 individuals have come from South Africa alone, according to Bengaluru Rural Deputy Commissioner K Srinivas. Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi convened a meeting with top bureaucrats to assess the Covid situation in the country. During the meeting, Modi asked officials to review their order on easing international travel restrictions in the light of Omicron variant that is slowly being reported from various parts of the world. Also read | Omicron-typical mutations were found in a traveller, says German minister He also asked officials to step up screening at all international airports and ensure that strict Covid guidelines are followed. The prime minister highlighted the need for monitoring all international arrivals, their testing as per guidelines, with a specific focus on countries identified as 'at risk'. The nations that are currently on the ‘at-risk’ list of India are – European countries, including the UK, South Africa, Brazil, Bangladesh, Botswana, China, Mauritius, New Zealand, Zimbabwe, Singapore, Hong Kong and Israel. (With inputs from agencies)

Two passengers from South Africa test Covid positive at India’s Bengaluru airport, quarantined

Different parts of the world are facing different waves of the COVID-19 outbreak. At a time when countries were slowly lifting ban on international travel, a new variant has forced nations to pull their guards up yet again. South Africa recently detected a new variant called B.1.1.529. The World Health Organisation has declared it as a variant of concern and renamed it Omicron.&nbsp;

What do we know about Omicron?

To put it simply, not much. The new variant has taken scientists by surprise. The WHO says that it would take several weeks to study the variant. Experts will be working on determining its transmissibility, severity and response to Covid vaccines. More importantly, research will focus on what kind of tests and treatments would be required to treat Omicron. So far, we know that

•Omicron is in the ‘most-troubling’ category of COVID-19 variants

•The first confirmed infection was from a specimen collected on November 9

•The variant has a large number of mutations

•Omicron could pose an increased risk of reinfection as compared to other variants of concern

Which countries have detected Omicron cases?

Germany

Mutations have been found in a passenger who arrived in the western state of Hesse from South Africa. Kai Klose, Germany’s Social Affairs minister said a full sequencing of the variant was being carried out. The person is isolating. Authorities have urged people who travelled to South Africa in the past few weeks to get tested.

The Netherlands

Sixty-one people who arrived from South Africa have tested positive for COVID-19. Authorities are conducting further tests to determine whether any of the travellers is infected with Omicron. The passengers arrived on two flights who flew from Cape Town and Johannesburg.

Israel

The country has reported its first case of Omicron variant. Two more suspected cases have been detected in people who have returned from overseas. All the travellers were fully vaccinated.

Belgium

This is the first confirmed case of Omicron in Europe. The Belgian health minister said the infected person tested positive on November 22. The person was unvaccinated and wasn’t infected with COVID-19 before.

What are countries doing about the situation?

Countries are restricting travel from southern Africa. The list includes the United States, Australia, Canada, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Thailand, Sri Lanka.&nbsp;

European Union officials have urged all 27 nations in the block to restrict travel to southern Africa nations. The measure comes only as a recommendation to suspend flights. Member states are free to make their own decisions.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has directed officials to review plans to ease travel restrictions.&nbsp;

Most nations have imposed travel restrictions on Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Southe Africa and Zimbabwe.

How has South Africa responded to the travel ban?

South Africa says it is being ‘punished’ for detecting a new COVID-19 variant. The decision to ban travel “is akin to punishing South Africa for its advanced genomic sequencing and ability to detect new variants quicker. Excellent science should be applauded and not punished,” the foreign affairs ministry said in a statement. The country has also called the decision draconian and unjustified. Joe Phaahla, South African health minister, says travel bans contradict the norms and standards set by the WHO.

What is the situation in South Africa?

The country is on high alert. The health minister said that the country is acting with transparency. Hospitals and health facilities have been alarmed ever since the new variant was identified. The new strain is rapidly spreading in South Africa. Close to two dozen cases have already been reported, most of them have been detected in the Gauteng Province.

The South African government says that the capacity to test, a ramped-up vaccination programme backed by a world-class scientific community would assure the global partners that the authorities are doing all they can in managing the pandemic.

What are the global vaccine producers saying?

The US pharmaceutical company Moderna says it will develop a booster shot against the new variant. The company says one of its strategies includes a higher dose of its existing vaccine. AstraZeneca says it has developed a vaccine platform that enables it to respond to new variants quickly. The company says it is already conducting research in locations where Omicron has been identified. Pfizer/BioNTech, Novavax say they are confident about combating the Omicron variant.

Different parts of the world are facing different waves of the COVID-19 outbreak. At a time when countries were slowly lifting ban on international travel, a new variant has forced nations to pull their guards up yet again.

Different parts of the world are facing different waves of the COVID-19 outbreak. At a time when countries were slowly lifting ban on international travel, a new variant has forced nations to pull their guards up yet again. South Africa recently detected a new variant called B.1.1.529. The World Health Organisation has declared it as a variant of concern and renamed it Omicron. What do we know about Omicron? To put it simply, not much. The new variant has taken scientists by surprise. The WHO says that it would take several weeks to study the variant. Experts will be working on determining its transmissibility, severity and response to Covid vaccines. More importantly, research will focus on what kind of tests and treatments would be required to treat Omicron. So far, we know that •Omicron is in the ‘most-troubling’ category of COVID-19 variants •The first confirmed infection was from a specimen collected on November 9 •The variant has a large number of mutations •Omicron could pose an increased risk of reinfection as compared to other variants of concern Which countries have detected Omicron cases? Germany Mutations have been found in a passenger who arrived in the western state of Hesse from South Africa. Kai Klose, Germany’s Social Affairs minister said a full sequencing of the variant was being carried out. The person is isolating. Authorities have urged people who travelled to South Africa in the past few weeks to get tested. The Netherlands Sixty-one people who arrived from South Africa have tested positive for COVID-19. Authorities are conducting further tests to determine whether any of the travellers is infected with Omicron. The passengers arrived on two flights who flew from Cape Town and Johannesburg. Israel The country has reported its first case of Omicron variant. Two more suspected cases have been detected in people who have returned from overseas. All the travellers were fully vaccinated. Belgium This is the first confirmed case of Omicron in Europe. The Belgian health minister said the infected person tested positive on November 22. The person was unvaccinated and wasn’t infected with COVID-19 before. What are countries doing about the situation? Countries are restricting travel from southern Africa. The list includes the United States, Australia, Canada, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Thailand, Sri Lanka. European Union officials have urged all 27 nations in the block to restrict travel to southern Africa nations. The measure comes only as a recommendation to suspend flights. Member states are free to make their own decisions. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has directed officials to review plans to ease travel restrictions. Most nations have imposed travel restrictions on Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Southe Africa and Zimbabwe. How has South Africa responded to the travel ban? South Africa says it is being ‘punished’ for detecting a new COVID-19 variant. The decision to ban travel “is akin to punishing South Africa for its advanced genomic sequencing and ability to detect new variants quicker. Excellent science should be applauded and not punished,” the foreign affairs ministry said in a statement. The country has also called the decision draconian and unjustified. Joe Phaahla, South African health minister, says travel bans contradict the norms and standards set by the WHO. What is the situation in South Africa? The country is on high alert. The health minister said that the country is acting with transparency. Hospitals and health facilities have been alarmed ever since the new variant was identified. The new strain is rapidly spreading in South Africa. Close to two dozen cases have already been reported, most of them have been detected in the Gauteng Province. The South African government says that the capacity to test, a ramped-up vaccination programme backed by a world-class scientific community would assure the global partners that the authorities are doing all they can in managing the pandemic. What are the global vaccine producers saying? The US pharmaceutical company Moderna says it will develop a booster shot against the new variant. The company says one of its strategies includes a higher dose of its existing vaccine. AstraZeneca says it has developed a vaccine platform that enables it to respond to new variants quickly. The company says it is already conducting research in locations where Omicron has been identified. Pfizer/BioNTech, Novavax say they are confident about combating the Omicron variant.

Decoding Omicron: The new variant of concern

After Belgium, Germany on Saturday said it has discovered a new positive case resembling Omicron variant.

Germany’s social affairs minister said that a traveller from South Africa was detected with similar mutations.

“Last night several Omicron-typical mutations were found in a traveller returning from South Africa," tweeted Kai Klose, social affairs minister in the western German state that is home to Frankfurt airport.

He added that a full sequencing of the variant was being carried out and that the person was isolating, and he urged anyone who had travelled from South Africa in the last few weeks to limit contacts and get tested.

This comes at a time when Germany is already witnessing the fourth wave of COVID-19, as it recorded 67,125 new coronavirus cases on Saturday.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/passengers-arriving-from-south-africa-at-amsterdam-airport-test-positive-for-covid-19-432380">Passengers arriving from South Africa at Amsterdam airport test positive for COVID-19</a>

Germany had declared&nbsp;South Africa a virus-variant area, meaning airlines are allowed to fly only Germans to Germany from South Africa, a source told Reuters on Friday. Even those who are vaccinated must spend 14 days in quarantine.

Germany is the second EU country after Belgium to report Omicron variant cases.

Belgium on Friday said that it has detected a confirmed case of the B.1.1.529 variant.

Also read |&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-warns-against-travel-curbs-due-to-new-variant-says-closely-monitoring-432286" hreflang="en">WHO warns against travel curbs due to new variant, says 'closely monitoring'</a>

"We have a case that is now confirmed of this variant," he said on Friday. "This is someone who came from abroad, who tested positive on November 22, who was not vaccinated."

Several European countries including France, Germany and Italy, have already imposed new travel restrictions with South Africa and neighbouring countries that include a 14-day quarantine period for travellers whether they are vaccinated or not.

The European Commission has recommended all EU countries follow suit with President Ursula von der Leyen writing in a statement on Friday that "all air travel to these countries should be suspended."

Apart from South Africa, Omicron has been detected in Israel, Botswana, Hong Kong and Belgium.

The B.1.1.529 variant has been declared as a ‘variant of concern’ by the WHO.

It had a large number of mutations, and early evidence suggested an increased reinfection risk, the global health body said.

(With inputs from agencies)

After Belgium, Germany on Saturday said it has discovered a new positive case resembling Omicron variant. Germany’s social affairs minister said that a traveller from South Africa was detected with similar mutations.

After Belgium, Germany on Saturday said it has discovered a new positive case resembling Omicron variant. Germany’s social affairs minister said that a traveller from South Africa was detected with similar mutations. “Last night several Omicron-typical mutations were found in a traveller returning from South Africa," tweeted Kai Klose, social affairs minister in the western German state that is home to Frankfurt airport. He added that a full sequencing of the variant was being carried out and that the person was isolating, and he urged anyone who had travelled from South Africa in the last few weeks to limit contacts and get tested. This comes at a time when Germany is already witnessing the fourth wave of COVID-19, as it recorded 67,125 new coronavirus cases on Saturday. Also read | Passengers arriving from South Africa at Amsterdam airport test positive for COVID-19 Germany had declared South Africa a virus-variant area, meaning airlines are allowed to fly only Germans to Germany from South Africa, a source told Reuters on Friday. Even those who are vaccinated must spend 14 days in quarantine. Germany is the second EU country after Belgium to report Omicron variant cases. Belgium on Friday said that it has detected a confirmed case of the B.1.1.529 variant. Also read | WHO warns against travel curbs due to new variant, says 'closely monitoring' "We have a case that is now confirmed of this variant," he said on Friday. "This is someone who came from abroad, who tested positive on November 22, who was not vaccinated." Several European countries including France, Germany and Italy, have already imposed new travel restrictions with South Africa and neighbouring countries that include a 14-day quarantine period for travellers whether they are vaccinated or not. The European Commission has recommended all EU countries follow suit with President Ursula von der Leyen writing in a statement on Friday that "all air travel to these countries should be suspended." Apart from South Africa, Omicron has been detected in Israel, Botswana, Hong Kong and Belgium. The B.1.1.529 variant has been declared as a ‘variant of concern’ by the WHO. It had a large number of mutations, and early evidence suggested an increased reinfection risk, the global health body said. (With inputs from agencies)

Omicron-typical mutations were found in a traveller, says German minister

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has designated B.1.1529 as a ‘variant of concern’. The variant of SARS-CoV-2, first detected in Africa’s Botswana, has been named Omicron.

World Health Organisation (WHO) designates  B.1.1529 as a ‘variant of concern’

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.&nbsp;&nbsp;The passengers had arrived at Amsterdam's Schiphol airport on two flights on Friday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/omicron-what-does-variant-of-concern-mean-432361">Also Read:&nbsp;Omicron: What does variant of concern mean?</a>

The Dutch health authorities confirmed 61 positive and 531 negative results on Saturday. Those who returned a negative test were asked by authorities to isolate at home. The virus-hit passengers have been isolated at a hotel near the airport.&nbsp;

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If you were on KLM flights from Jo'burg or Cape Town and got held as I did at Schipol - will you DM me? I can't get a copy of my alleged negative test (and thus can't leave) and am wondering if any one else has this problem. If you got your test result - pls DM and tell me how <a href="https://t.co/356pkUs7uX">https://t.co/356pkUs7uX</a>
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The World Health Organisation had designated the Omicron variant as a "variant of concern" after it was&nbsp;reported by South African authorities.&nbsp;

Watch: Thailand allows vaccinated travellers from over 60 countries

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/thailand-vaccinated-travellers-from-over-60-countries-allowed-432268/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

European countries moved to ban flights to South Africa and other African countries as panic spread about the new virus variant.

US and Canada have also restricted travel from southern Africa. Reports said people flocked to the airport in Johannesburg as countries around the world began to bar travellers from entering their country.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/neither-nu-nor-xi-who-skips-two-greek-letters-for-naming-new-covid-variant-omicron-432328">Also Read | Neither Nu nor Xi: WHO skips two Greek letters for naming new Covid variant Omicron</a>

However, South African authorities described the ban as &nbsp;"draconian" and "unscientific". &nbsp;South African health minister Joe Phaahla had declared the reaction to the new variant was "unjustified".&nbsp;

UK banned flights from South African and other southern African countries as other European nations including Austria, France, Italy and Germany followed.

(With inputs from Agencies)

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.

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. The passengers had arrived at Amsterdam's Schiphol airport on two flights on Friday. Also Read: Omicron: What does variant of concern mean? The Dutch health authorities confirmed 61 positive and 531 negative results on Saturday. Those who returned a negative test were asked by authorities to isolate at home. The virus-hit passengers have been isolated at a hotel near the airport. × If you were on KLM flights from Jo'burg or Cape Town and got held as I did at Schipol - will you DM me? I can't get a copy of my alleged negative test (and thus can't leave) and am wondering if any one else has this problem. If you got your test result - pls DM and tell me how https://t.co/356pkUs7uX — Stephanie Nolen (@snolen) November 27, 2021 × The World Health Organisation had designated the Omicron variant as a "variant of concern" after it was reported by South African authorities. Watch: Thailand allows vaccinated travellers from over 60 countries European countries moved to ban flights to South Africa and other African countries as panic spread about the new virus variant. US and Canada have also restricted travel from southern Africa. Reports said people flocked to the airport in Johannesburg as countries around the world began to bar travellers from entering their country. Also Read | Neither Nu nor Xi: WHO skips two Greek letters for naming new Covid variant Omicron However, South African authorities described the ban as "draconian" and "unscientific". South African health minister Joe Phaahla had declared the reaction to the new variant was "unjustified". UK banned flights from South African and other southern African countries as other European nations including Austria, France, Italy and Germany followed. (With inputs from Agencies)

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

Prime Minister on Saturday asked officials to reconsider plans on easing international travel restrictions in the light of the new coronavirus variant, Omircron, which has been classified as a variant of concern by the WHO.

On Friday, India had decided to resume international passenger flights from countries deemed "at risk" of the coronavirus, while ordering tightened border screening on the account of lower reported cases.

At a meeting to review the Covid situation, Modi “highlighted the need for monitoring all international arrivals, their testing as per guidelines, with a specific focus on countries identified ‘at risk’, after the WHO warned about “increased risk of reinfection with this variant”&nbsp;

So far, the United States, Canada, Russia, Britain, Israel, the Philippines and EU states have banned all travel from the southern African countries, where the new cases have been reported.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/omicron-what-does-variant-of-concern-mean-432361">Omicron: What does variant of concern mean?</a>

“Modi was briefed about the global trends on coronavirus cases and officials highlighted that countries across the world have experienced multiple COVID-19 surges since the onset of the pandemic,” a Prime Minister's Office (PMO) statement said.

Modi spoke about the need to be proactive in light of the new variant and said that people need to be more cautious and take proper precautions like masking up and maintaining social distance, according to the PMO.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/neither-nu-nor-xi-who-skips-two-greek-letters-for-naming-new-covid-variant-omicron-432328">Neither Nu nor Xi: WHO skips two Greek letters for naming new Covid variant Omicron &nbsp;</a>

“He directed that intensive containment and active surveillance should continue in clusters reporting higher cases and required technical support be provided to states which are reporting higher cases presently,” the statement said.

Modi told officials to accelerate second-dose coverage, it said.

Also Read |&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-warns-against-travel-curbs-due-to-new-variant-says-closely-monitoring-432286" hreflang="en">WHO warns against travel curbs due to new variant, says 'closely monitoring'</a>

The prime minister highlighted the need for monitoring all international arrivals, their testing as per guidelines, with a specific focus on countries identified as 'at risk'.

The meeting was attended by Cabinet Secretary Rajiv Gauba, Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan and NITI Aayog member (health) Dr V K Paul, among others.

So far now, no cases of infection with the new variant have been reported in India.

The country has been witnessing a dip in new cases every day, as only 8,318 new Covid cases have been recorded on Saturday—a drop of 21% than Friday.,

The daily rise in new coronavirus infections has been below 20,000 for 50 continuous days and less than 50,000 daily new cases have been reported for 153 consecutive days now.

(With inputs from agencies)

Prime Minister on Saturday asked officials to reconsider plans on easing international travel restrictions in the light of the new coronavirus variant, Omircron, which has been classified as a variant of concern by the WHO.

Prime Minister on Saturday asked officials to reconsider plans on easing international travel restrictions in the light of the new coronavirus variant, Omircron, which has been classified as a variant of concern by the WHO. On Friday, India had decided to resume international passenger flights from countries deemed "at risk" of the coronavirus, while ordering tightened border screening on the account of lower reported cases. At a meeting to review the Covid situation, Modi “highlighted the need for monitoring all international arrivals, their testing as per guidelines, with a specific focus on countries identified ‘at risk’, after the WHO warned about “increased risk of reinfection with this variant” So far, the United States, Canada, Russia, Britain, Israel, the Philippines and EU states have banned all travel from the southern African countries, where the new cases have been reported. Also read | Omicron: What does variant of concern mean? “Modi was briefed about the global trends on coronavirus cases and officials highlighted that countries across the world have experienced multiple COVID-19 surges since the onset of the pandemic,” a Prime Minister's Office (PMO) statement said. Modi spoke about the need to be proactive in light of the new variant and said that people need to be more cautious and take proper precautions like masking up and maintaining social distance, according to the PMO. Also read | Neither Nu nor Xi: WHO skips two Greek letters for naming new Covid variant Omicron “He directed that intensive containment and active surveillance should continue in clusters reporting higher cases and required technical support be provided to states which are reporting higher cases presently,” the statement said. Modi told officials to accelerate second-dose coverage, it said. Also Read | WHO warns against travel curbs due to new variant, says 'closely monitoring' The prime minister highlighted the need for monitoring all international arrivals, their testing as per guidelines, with a specific focus on countries identified as 'at risk'. The meeting was attended by Cabinet Secretary Rajiv Gauba, Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan and NITI Aayog member (health) Dr V K Paul, among others. So far now, no cases of infection with the new variant have been reported in India. The country has been witnessing a dip in new cases every day, as only 8,318 new Covid cases have been recorded on Saturday—a drop of 21% than Friday., The daily rise in new coronavirus infections has been below 20,000 for 50 continuous days and less than 50,000 daily new cases have been reported for 153 consecutive days now. (With inputs from agencies)

Indian PM Modi calls for review on easing international travel plans amid Omicron variant concerns

As the new virus variant&nbsp; B.1.1.529&nbsp;gripped the world on Friday, the World Health Organisation(WHO) moved to name it Omicron and designated it as a "variant of concern".

The WHO has clearly defined what a&nbsp;variant&nbsp;of concern (VOC) means. According to the UN health body, a variant of concern demonstrates an "increase in transmissibility" or "detrimental change in COVID-19 epidemiology".&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/neither-nu-nor-xi-who-skips-two-greek-letters-for-naming-new-covid-variant-omicron-432328">Also Read |&nbsp;&nbsp;Neither Nu nor Xi: WHO skips two Greek letters for naming new Covid variant Omicron&nbsp;</a>

The WHO had earlier classified Alpha, Beta, Gamma and Delta as variants of concern. The health agency also stipulates initial steps as the variant of&nbsp;concern is discovered.&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;New variant of Wuhan virus discovered

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-new-variant-of-wuhan-virus-discovered-432230/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

It assesses the public health risks as it compares the variant characteristics. It also coordinates investigations with member states to set up laboratory tests and establishes a "guidance" system.&nbsp;

The member state which discovers the variant is expected to submit complete genome sequences to the healthy body and it also has to identify variant cases and clusters including conducting field investigations and laboratory assessments.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-a-precautionary-measure-us-to-restrict-travel-over-fears-of-new-covid-19-variant-432251">Also Read:&nbsp;US to restrict travel over fears of new COVID-19 variant</a>

US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) describes a VOC as "evidence of an increase in transmissibility, more severe disease including "significant reduction in neutralisation by antibodies generated during previous infection or vaccination".

The CDC looks into the variant's "widespread interference with diagnostic test targets" including "evidence of reduced vaccine-induced protection".

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-warns-against-travel-curbs-due-to-new-variant-says-closely-monitoring-432286">Also Read:&nbsp;WHO warns against travel curbs due to new variant</a>

The new COVID-19&nbsp;variant dubbed Omicron has created panic as countries have banned flights from South Africa where it was first discovered including other African countries.&nbsp;

Apart from South Africa, the new&nbsp;variant was also discovered in Botswana, Israel&nbsp;and Hong Kong. Europe also recorded the first case of the new Omicron variant in Belgium&nbsp;after a traveller from Egypt was detected with the new strain.

(With inputs from Agencies)

As the new virus variant B.1.1.529 gripped the world on Friday, the World Health Organisation(WHO) moved to name it Omicron and designated it as a "variant of concern".

As the new virus variant B.1.1.529 gripped the world on Friday, the World Health Organisation(WHO) moved to name it Omicron and designated it as a "variant of concern". The WHO has clearly defined what a variant of concern (VOC) means. According to the UN health body, a variant of concern demonstrates an "increase in transmissibility" or "detrimental change in COVID-19 epidemiology". Also Read | Neither Nu nor Xi: WHO skips two Greek letters for naming new Covid variant Omicron The WHO had earlier classified Alpha, Beta, Gamma and Delta as variants of concern. The health agency also stipulates initial steps as the variant of concern is discovered. Watch: New variant of Wuhan virus discovered It assesses the public health risks as it compares the variant characteristics. It also coordinates investigations with member states to set up laboratory tests and establishes a "guidance" system. The member state which discovers the variant is expected to submit complete genome sequences to the healthy body and it also has to identify variant cases and clusters including conducting field investigations and laboratory assessments. Also Read: US to restrict travel over fears of new COVID-19 variant US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) describes a VOC as "evidence of an increase in transmissibility, more severe disease including "significant reduction in neutralisation by antibodies generated during previous infection or vaccination". The CDC looks into the variant's "widespread interference with diagnostic test targets" including "evidence of reduced vaccine-induced protection". Also Read: WHO warns against travel curbs due to new variant The new COVID-19 variant dubbed Omicron has created panic as countries have banned flights from South Africa where it was first discovered including other African countries. Apart from South Africa, the new variant was also discovered in Botswana, Israel and Hong Kong. Europe also recorded the first case of the new Omicron variant in Belgium after a traveller from Egypt was detected with the new strain. (With inputs from Agencies)

Omicron: What does variant of concern mean?

Passengers coming to Mumbai from South Africa will be quarantined and tested for the new coronavirus variant, Omicron—which has been described the World Health Organisation (WHO) as a variant of concern.

Moreover, the test samples collected would be sent for genome sequencing to check if the passengers are infected with the new Covid variant.

"There are concerns in Mumbai about the new variant of coronavirus. Genome sequencing of (positive) passengers coming from South Africa will be done. There is no restriction on outbound flights in any way. But this decision has been taken keeping in view past experience," Mumbai city’s mayor Kishori Pednekar said on Saturday.

“There is an increased risk of COVID-19 in other nations, so those coming from abroad will have to undergo genome test. I request everyone to maintain social distancing and wear masks so that this new menace can be stopped,” she added.

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/neither-nu-nor-xi-who-skips-two-greek-letters-for-naming-new-covid-variant-omicron-432328">Neither Nu nor Xi: WHO skips two Greek letters for naming new Covid variant Omicron &nbsp;</a>

On Friday, the WHO classified the new variant that was first identified in southern Africa as a “variant of concern.”

In a&nbsp;statement, WHO said preliminary evidence suggested “an increased risk of reinfection with this variant” as it added the new discovery to the list of variants of concern, giving it the name "omicron."

Also Read |&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-warns-against-travel-curbs-due-to-new-variant-says-closely-monitoring-432286" hreflang="en">WHO warns against travel curbs due to new variant, says 'closely monitoring'</a>

WHO said the number of cases of the variant appeared to be rising in almost all provinces in South Africa.

It also said the variant had been detected “at faster rates than previous surges in infection, suggesting that this variant may have a growth advantage.”

(With inputs from agencies)

Passengers coming to Mumbai from South Africa will be quarantined and tested for the new coronavirus variant, Omicron—which has been described the World Health Organisation (WHO) as a variant of concern.

Passengers coming to Mumbai from South Africa will be quarantined and tested for the new coronavirus variant, Omicron—which has been described the World Health Organisation (WHO) as a variant of concern. Moreover, the test samples collected would be sent for genome sequencing to check if the passengers are infected with the new Covid variant. "There are concerns in Mumbai about the new variant of coronavirus. Genome sequencing of (positive) passengers coming from South Africa will be done. There is no restriction on outbound flights in any way. But this decision has been taken keeping in view past experience," Mumbai city’s mayor Kishori Pednekar said on Saturday. “There is an increased risk of COVID-19 in other nations, so those coming from abroad will have to undergo genome test. I request everyone to maintain social distancing and wear masks so that this new menace can be stopped,” she added. Also read | Neither Nu nor Xi: WHO skips two Greek letters for naming new Covid variant Omicron On Friday, the WHO classified the new variant that was first identified in southern Africa as a “variant of concern.” In a statement, WHO said preliminary evidence suggested “an increased risk of reinfection with this variant” as it added the new discovery to the list of variants of concern, giving it the name "omicron." Also Read | WHO warns against travel curbs due to new variant, says 'closely monitoring' WHO said the number of cases of the variant appeared to be rising in almost all provinces in South Africa. It also said the variant had been detected “at faster rates than previous surges in infection, suggesting that this variant may have a growth advantage.” (With inputs from agencies)

Quarantine, genome sequencing for passengers coming from South Africa to Mumbai, says city’s mayor

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

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-new-variant-of-wuhan-virus-discovered-432230/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

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

omicron

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