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

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.

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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

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

Will take weeks to understand new virus variant, says WHO