Rapid spread of new Covid variant Omicron

There's a new type of Covid-19. The new "variant" is very easy to catch. Its name is Omicron. Lots of people are getting sick with Omicron.

Scientists in South Africa found Omicron. First, they saw something strange. Lots of people were ill. Their Covid tests looked different. The scientists thought it was a new virus. Then, they looked at lots of PCR tests.

Professor Vardas sent the results to the national laboratories.

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."

The tests showed something interesting. Before this, most Covid-19 in South Africa was the Delta variant. Now, the new danger is from Omicron.

Lots of countries stopped visitors from the south of Africa. But this didn't stop the virus. The Omicron variant is now everywhere. Professor Vardas says the world needs more research.

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."

Now scientists want to find out more information. Data show that Omicron is very easy to catch. But at the same time, we don't know how dangerous Omicron is.

Only time will tell.

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