The variant, labeled B.1.1.529 for now, has been detected in about 100 people in South Africa.
Scientists in South Africa have discovered a new coronavirus variant with several mutations, terming it a variant of “serious concern.” The variant, labeled B.1.1.529 for now, has been detected in about 100 people in South Africa, Bloomberg reported. It has also been detected in Hong Kong and neighboring Botswana among travelers from South Africa. “Here is a mutation variant of serious concern,” Health Minister Joe Phaahla said Thursday at a press conference. “Over the last four or five days, there has been more of an exponential rise (in cases).” The health care professionals did not say exactly what about the new variant caused such serious alarm, only noting that it had several alterations from previously detected variants.
