Omicron Coronavirus Variant Raises Questions amongst Scientists

After scientists identified a new variant of the virus inflicting Covid-19, international locations confined trip to and from southern Africa. WSJ's Anna Hirtenstein explains that buyers have turned to bonds and gold as they put together for extra skills disruption. picture: Sumaya Hisham/Reuters

The fast-spreading Omicron coronavirus variant these days identified in South Africa has virologists and health authorities on facet because of its many mutations, however plenty about its infectiousness and virulence continues to be unknown.

Scientists talked about one of the crucial roughly 50 mutations on the brand new variant, referred to as B.1.1.529, could doubtlessly render it more transmissible or cut back vaccine effectiveness. nonetheless it will take time for virologists and infectious-sickness researchers to study the variant's unfold and the expertise have an effect on on vaccines and therapeutics.