The emergence of the new Covid-19 variant has raised worldwide concern which is now seen to be spreading rapidly in several regions of the country.
The variant is called B.1.1.529 and is likely to be given another name by the World Health Organization (WHO) at an emergency meeting to be held on Friday.
According to scientists from the South African Genomic Surveillance Network, the variant has an unusually high number of mutations, with more than 30 in the main protein spike, which is the structure used by the virus to enter the attacked cell.
Among the factors of concern is that the variant is spreading very rapidly and it is feared that it has spread widely. In addition, the existing Covid-19 vaccine may be less effective on it.
So far, it has been detected in South Africa, Botswana and Hong Kong (individuals traveling to the country from South Africa).
Following these findings, several countries such as the UK and the United States have implemented travel restrictions to and from South Africa.
WHO is reported to be holding a special meeting today to discuss this new variant, which may also discuss vaccines and treatments.
