BREAKING | Heavily mutated Omicron variant puts scientists on alert

South African researchers are scrambling to keep track of a novel strain of the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus that produces COVID-19. The variant contains several of the changes reported in other variants, including Delta, and it appears to be rapidly spreading across South Africa. One of the key priorities is to keep a closer eye on the variant as it spreads: it was initially discovered in Botswana earlier this month and has subsequently been found in a visitor coming in Hong Kong from South Africa. Scientists are also trying to figure out whether the variant can avoid immune responses elicited by vaccines and whether it causes more or less severe disease than other variants. Penny Moore, a virologist at the University of the Witwatersrand in Johannesburg, South Africa, whose lab is testing the variant's ability to evade immunity from vaccines and prior infections, says, "We're flying at warp speed." There have been reports of reinfections and cases in vaccinated people, but Moore says it's "too early to tell anything at this point." "There's a lot we don't know about this variation," said Richard Lessells, an infectious-diseases physician at the University of KwaZulu-Natal in Durban, South Africa, at a press conference held by the country's health authority on November 25. "The mutation profile is concerning, but now we must strive to determine the importance of this variant and what it means for the pandemic response." IMPORTANT! -None of these images, music & video clips were created/owned by us. -This video is purely fan-made, if you (owners) have seen your content and want to remove this video, please message us privately or mail us before doing anything. We will respectfully remove it immediately. -COPYRIGHT DISCLAIMER UNDER SECTION 107 OF THE COPYRIGHT ACT 1976 - Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational, or personal use tips the balance in favor of fair use.