New Covid variant shocks the world - 22nd December 2021

Hopes that we were finally beating Covid-19 have disappeared with the news of a new variant, Omicron.

Omicron's been spreading quickly across the world. It was initially discovered by scientists in Lancet Laboratories, South Africa. As they were studying PCR test results, they noticed some strange features. It was unclear whether they'd identified a completely different virus or another variant. They carried out DNA tests.

Professor Eftyxia Vardas is head of virus monitoring at Lancet Laboratories. She sent the results to the National Institute for further analysis.

Professor Eftyxia Vardas: "We presented that data to them. And then they spoke to other people around the country that had, were also observing the same thing. And that was the discovery of Omicron."

Scientists examined the tests and realised that Omicron had started to replace the Delta variant. Until that point, Delta had been responsible for most South African Covid-19 infections. However, Omicron was now spreading far more quickly.

Countries responded by closing their borders to travel from southern Africa. But Omicron was already appearing all over the world.

Professor Vardas says researchers need to learn more about how Omicron spreads.

Professor Eftyxia Vardas: "So, we're not sure what it is. Is it Omicron is a better virus and can be transmitted better? Or that people were letting their guards drop and congregating together and spreading it within certain groupings? So, you know, that can occur as well."

Scientists are now involved in a global effort to predict what Omicron means for the pandemic.

Early data from the World Health Organisation suggest that the new variant is transmitted between people more easily. However, it seems that symptoms for those who catch it may be milder.