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

Belgium became the first country in Europe to report the new case as global authorities reacted with alarm to a new coronavirus (COVID-19) variant detected in South Africa.&nbsp;US lawmakers had arrived in Taiwan on Thursday for the second time this month angering China.

Here are top news stories, click on headlines to read more

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-threat-what-we-know-about-covid-b11529-or-nu-variant-supposedly-dangerous-than-delta-432075">New threat? Here's what we know about Covid B.1.1.529 or Nu variant, likely deadlier than Delta</a>

The new variant has a designation of B.1.1.529. It is still being ascertained whether it should be called a 'variant of concern' but high number of spike protein mutations has brought it on the radar of experts. It is likely that WHO will name it 'Nu variant'.

<img alt="COVID" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c62b4225-2b01-4b21-bbed-101ea5f6a773" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/COVID.jpg" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-virus-variant-detected-in-europe-as-belgium-reports-first-case-432173">New virus variant detected in Europe as Belgium reports first case</a>

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. Belgium's health minister Frank Vandenbroucke reported the new case even as several countries in Europe have been battling the fourth wave.

<img alt="COVID" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="f0102503-724b-4ede-9424-1ab17d7fbd65" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/COVID-19%20%285%29.jpg" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/first-case-of-new-covid-variant-reported-in-israel-432171">First case of new Covid variant reported in Israel</a>

Israeli health ministry on Friday reported first case of the new Covid-19 variant. The new Covid variant has been designated B.1.1.529 and is being referred to as variant Nu. The variant was first detected in South Africa and other countries.

<img alt="Israeli health ministry" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="4f8f4f08-db74-4437-8c20-22a796f06f59" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Israeli%20health%20ministry.jpg" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australia-says-borders-to-remain-open-to-south-africa-despite-concerns-over-new-covid-variant-432156">Australia says borders to remain open to South Africa despite concerns over new Covid variant</a>

Even as several countries and the WHO is on their toes over the emergence of a new coronavirus variant, Australia on Friday said it has no plans to restrict flights from South Africa, from where the new strain has surfaced. Australia’s health minister Greg Hunt said the officials were assessing the threat posed by the strain and would not introduce restrictions on arrivals from southern Africa yet.

<img alt="Australia" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a0cb6e5a-263b-45b0-af2b-b971a747a78b" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Australia%20%283%29.jpg" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-conducts-combat-readiness-patrol-as-us-lawmakers-visit-taiwan-432179">China conducts 'combat readiness patrol' as US lawmakers visit Taiwan</a>

China slammed the US directing it "not to play the Taiwan card" as another US delegation visited Taipei. US lawmakers had arrived in Taiwan on Thursday for the second time this month angering China.

The Chinese foreign ministry said the move "seriously violated the&nbsp;One-China&nbsp;principle" and it sent a "wrong signal to support the separatist forces for Taiwan independence."

<img alt="China" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2981d5fd-ca3b-4332-8842-ff006b871261" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/China_1.jpg" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/6-covid-cases-reported-in-three-chinese-cities-in-a-day-shanghai-cancels-flights-shuts-schools-432112">6 Covid cases reported in three Chinese cities in a day, Shanghai cancels flights, shuts schools</a>

Six COVID-19 cases were reported from three cities in China in a day, triggering fresh concerns of another coronavirus outbreak.The new cases have caused alarm as China’s strict zero-Covid policy had so far kept the highly-mutating virus at bay for a brief period of time.

<img alt="COVID" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c03278a5-f9e7-4bb8-bf25-f712c3ba8798" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/covid-19%20%286%29.jpg" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/expert-warns-of-impending-doomsday-says-us-vulnerable-to-chinas-electromagnetic-pulse-attack-432136">Expert warns of impending ‘doomsday’, says US vulnerable to China’s electromagnetic pulse attack</a>

The head of EMP Task Force has warned that the United States’ electric grid and other key infrastructure are vulnerable to electromagnetic pulse (EMP) attacks from countries like China and Russia and called for renewed efforts to upgrade the country’s defences to avoid a doomsday scenario.

<img alt="United States’ electric grid" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="8ee797d1-c13c-46e2-9d59-ed4a764876d6" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/United%20States%E2%80%99%20electric%20grid.jpg" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistans-debt-and-liabilities-increase-govt-doesnt-have-money-whats-next-for-the-debt-ridden-nation-432133">Pakistan's debt and liabilities increase; govt 'doesn't have money': What's next for the debt-ridden nation?</a>

For the first time ever, Pakistan's total debt and liabilities crossed 50.5 trillion Pakistani rupees (PKR) - approximately $283 billion. It is an addition of PKR 20.7 trillion under the current government alone, Pakistan-based newspaper Express Tribune reported citing SBP data.&nbsp;

<img alt="Pakistan" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="179b9325-8652-4701-bd8b-59507cfd9cfe" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Pakistan.jpg" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/this-hong-kong-restaurant-group-is-spending-650000-to-fly-off-250-staff-to-homes-432190">This Hong Kong restaurant group is spending $650,000 to fly off 250 staff to homes</a>

A Hong Kong restaurant group is splurging around US $650,000 to let their staff of 250 people fly off to their homes so that they can spend time with their families. The restaurant has employees from various parts of the world, including India, Nepal, England and Italy, reports CNN.&nbsp;

<img alt="Hong Kong" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="068c3fd8-762a-4a21-8af3-8619d2559fa8" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Hong%20Kong.jpg" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-allows-international-flight-operations-from-december-15-432148">India allows international flight operations from December 15</a>

India's aviation ministry informed on Friday that scheduled international flight operations will resume from December 15 after it was suspended in March 2020 amid the coronavirus pandemic. India has been operating special flights under the "air bubble" agreement with several countries.

<img alt="India's aviation ministry" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e0e9aa31-dfd9-4a47-b41f-a9d2e8fb1c15" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/India%27s%20aviation%20ministry.jpg" />

Belgium became the first country in Europe to report the new case as global authorities reacted with alarm to a new coronavirus (COVID-19) variant detected in South Africa.

Belgium became the first country in Europe to report the new case as global authorities reacted with alarm to a new coronavirus (COVID-19) variant detected in South Africa. US lawmakers had arrived in Taiwan on Thursday for the second time this month angering China. Here are top news stories, click on headlines to read more New threat? Here's what we know about Covid B.1.1.529 or Nu variant, likely deadlier than Delta The new variant has a designation of B.1.1.529. It is still being ascertained whether it should be called a 'variant of concern' but high number of spike protein mutations has brought it on the radar of experts. It is likely that WHO will name it 'Nu variant'. New virus variant detected in Europe as Belgium reports first case 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. Belgium's health minister Frank Vandenbroucke reported the new case even as several countries in Europe have been battling the fourth wave. First case of new Covid variant reported in Israel Israeli health ministry on Friday reported first case of the new Covid-19 variant. The new Covid variant has been designated B.1.1.529 and is being referred to as variant Nu. The variant was first detected in South Africa and other countries. Australia says borders to remain open to South Africa despite concerns over new Covid variant Even as several countries and the WHO is on their toes over the emergence of a new coronavirus variant, Australia on Friday said it has no plans to restrict flights from South Africa, from where the new strain has surfaced. Australia’s health minister Greg Hunt said the officials were assessing the threat posed by the strain and would not introduce restrictions on arrivals from southern Africa yet. China conducts 'combat readiness patrol' as US lawmakers visit Taiwan China slammed the US directing it "not to play the Taiwan card" as another US delegation visited Taipei. US lawmakers had arrived in Taiwan on Thursday for the second time this month angering China. The Chinese foreign ministry said the move "seriously violated the One-China principle" and it sent a "wrong signal to support the separatist forces for Taiwan independence." 6 Covid cases reported in three Chinese cities in a day, Shanghai cancels flights, shuts schools Six COVID-19 cases were reported from three cities in China in a day, triggering fresh concerns of another coronavirus outbreak.The new cases have caused alarm as China’s strict zero-Covid policy had so far kept the highly-mutating virus at bay for a brief period of time. Expert warns of impending ‘doomsday’, says US vulnerable to China’s electromagnetic pulse attack The head of EMP Task Force has warned that the United States’ electric grid and other key infrastructure are vulnerable to electromagnetic pulse (EMP) attacks from countries like China and Russia and called for renewed efforts to upgrade the country’s defences to avoid a doomsday scenario. Pakistan's debt and liabilities increase; govt 'doesn't have money': What's next for the debt-ridden nation? For the first time ever, Pakistan's total debt and liabilities crossed 50.5 trillion Pakistani rupees (PKR) - approximately $283 billion. It is an addition of PKR 20.7 trillion under the current government alone, Pakistan-based newspaper Express Tribune reported citing SBP data. This Hong Kong restaurant group is spending $650,000 to fly off 250 staff to homes A Hong Kong restaurant group is splurging around US $650,000 to let their staff of 250 people fly off to their homes so that they can spend time with their families. The restaurant has employees from various parts of the world, including India, Nepal, England and Italy, reports CNN. India allows international flight operations from December 15 India's aviation ministry informed on Friday that scheduled international flight operations will resume from December 15 after it was suspended in March 2020 amid the coronavirus pandemic. India has been operating special flights under the "air bubble" agreement with several countries.

Top 10 world news: New virus variant detected in Europe, China conducts 'combat readiness patrol' and more

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

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/stocks-markets-under-pressure-after-news-of-new-covid-variant-emerges-432033/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

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

Just days after <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/spreads-through-air-vietnam-reports-new-variant-of-coronavirus-388243">Vietnam</a> reported a "hybrid variant" of the coronavirus, the country's aviation body announced it will suspend inbound flights from abroad to capital Hanoi from June 1.

The temporary suspension of flights at Hanoi's Noi Bai International airport will remain in place until June 7. However, outbound travel will continue, reports said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/vietnams-ho-chi-minh-city-to-enact-social-distancing-388478">Ho Chi Minh</a> city had earlier stopped foreign arrivals from Tan Son Nhat international airport with restrictions set to be in place till June 14.

On Saturday, the country's health minister Nguyen Thanh Long had said that,&nbsp;"Vietnam has uncovered a new COVID-19 variant combining characteristics of the two existing variants first found in India and the UK."

The country has reportedly detected seven virus variants which include: B.1.222, B.1.619, D614G, B.1.1.7, B.1.351, A.23.1 and B.1.617.2.

Several areas in Ho Chi Minh city are under lockdown with Go Vap, Tan Phu districts and the industrial zones as health workers seek&nbsp;to ramp up testing amid new social distancing measures.

The country's authorities have banned dining in restaurants and allowed gathering of not more than ten people.&nbsp;

The country has witnessed a surge in cases with infections rising in several cities even as the country's health ministry said it was vaccinating workers in Bac Ninh and Bac Giang which were hit hard due to the virus.

Vietnam has reported 7,236 virus cases so far with just 47 deaths, however, last week it reported 235 new infections alerting authorities to the new threat.

The government has announced the setting up of a vaccine fund since just 1 million people have been&nbsp;administered the doses out of a population of 98 million.

(With Agency inputs)

Just days after Vietnam reported a "hybrid variant" of the coronavirus, the country's aviation body announced it will suspend inbound flights from abroad to capital Hanoi from June 1.

Just days after Vietnam reported a "hybrid variant" of the coronavirus, the country's aviation body announced it will suspend inbound flights from abroad to capital Hanoi from June 1. The temporary suspension of flights at Hanoi's Noi Bai International airport will remain in place until June 7. However, outbound travel will continue, reports said. Ho Chi Minh city had earlier stopped foreign arrivals from Tan Son Nhat international airport with restrictions set to be in place till June 14. On Saturday, the country's health minister Nguyen Thanh Long had said that, "Vietnam has uncovered a new COVID-19 variant combining characteristics of the two existing variants first found in India and the UK." The country has reportedly detected seven virus variants which include: B.1.222, B.1.619, D614G, B.1.1.7, B.1.351, A.23.1 and B.1.617.2. Several areas in Ho Chi Minh city are under lockdown with Go Vap, Tan Phu districts and the industrial zones as health workers seek to ramp up testing amid new social distancing measures. The country's authorities have banned dining in restaurants and allowed gathering of not more than ten people. The country has witnessed a surge in cases with infections rising in several cities even as the country's health ministry said it was vaccinating workers in Bac Ninh and Bac Giang which were hit hard due to the virus. Vietnam has reported 7,236 virus cases so far with just 47 deaths, however, last week it reported 235 new infections alerting authorities to the new threat. The government has announced the setting up of a vaccine fund since just 1 million people have been administered the doses out of a population of 98 million. (With Agency inputs)

After detecting 'hybrid variant', Vietnam to suspend incoming international flights to Hanoi

Amid cases of imported coronavirus infections in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/china-statistics-bureau-says-economy-still-in-recovery-process-370479">China</a>,&nbsp;Guangdong Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Guangdong CDC) detected B.1.525 COVID-19 variant identified in Nigeria from two imported COVID-19 cases for the first time, reports said.

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/hotel-with-a-polar-bear-enclosure-opens-in-china-370144/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

According to China's state-run Global Times, "the two cases, both asymptomatic <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-open-transparent-on-covid-19-will-work-with-who-to-find-origins-premier-li-keqiang-369737">COVID-19 i</a>nfected patients, were discovered in closed-loop management and reported as asymptomatic infections on February 21."

The Chinese CDC said the original sample indicated that it was a mutated strain found in Nigeria which is reportedly circulating in 26 countries. The new strain is reportedly more transmissible and prone to cause antibody neutralisation.

The Guangdong CDC had received nasopharyngeal swabs from Guangzhou on March 5 as it began virus isolation and genome sequencing analysis.

China recorded at least 20 imported coronavirus cases on Saturday and another 183 on Sunday, according to the National Health Commission as the country continues to battle the crisis.

The country is set to launch a digital "health passport" in its attempt to kickstart international travel. Authorities have established a nationwide system of digital "health codes" to combat the virus with users asked to scan a QR code to get a "green" pass in the health app in public places.

Currently, Chinese citizens can download new digital certificates and use them to enter and leave the country.&nbsp;

The virus which was first reported by the Chinese authorities to the WHO on December 31, 2019, has killed over 2.65 million people and infected over 119,839 even as several countries have begun their vaccination drive.

Amid cases of imported coronavirus infections in China, Guangdong Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Guangdong CDC) detected B.1.525 COVID-19 variant identified in Nigeria from two imported COVID-19 cases for the first time, reports said.

Amid cases of imported coronavirus infections in China, Guangdong Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Guangdong CDC) detected B.1.525 COVID-19 variant identified in Nigeria from two imported COVID-19 cases for the first time, reports said. Watch: According to China's state-run Global Times, "the two cases, both asymptomatic COVID-19 infected patients, were discovered in closed-loop management and reported as asymptomatic infections on February 21." The Chinese CDC said the original sample indicated that it was a mutated strain found in Nigeria which is reportedly circulating in 26 countries. The new strain is reportedly more transmissible and prone to cause antibody neutralisation. The Guangdong CDC had received nasopharyngeal swabs from Guangzhou on March 5 as it began virus isolation and genome sequencing analysis. China recorded at least 20 imported coronavirus cases on Saturday and another 183 on Sunday, according to the National Health Commission as the country continues to battle the crisis. The country is set to launch a digital "health passport" in its attempt to kickstart international travel. Authorities have established a nationwide system of digital "health codes" to combat the virus with users asked to scan a QR code to get a "green" pass in the health app in public places. Currently, Chinese citizens can download new digital certificates and use them to enter and leave the country. The virus which was first reported by the Chinese authorities to the WHO on December 31, 2019, has killed over 2.65 million people and infected over 119,839 even as several countries have begun their vaccination drive.

COVID-19 variant identified in Nigeria detected in China's Guangdong province

virus-variant

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