South African scientists have discovered a new COVID-19 variant, Omicron, with multiple mutations that are thought to be highly contagious.

The World Health Organization has designated it a variant of concern and many countries are racing to try and contain it, banning flights from southern Africa. Scientists are working round-the-clock to dissect the variant and try to understand its behavior. Here is a brief explainer of what is known so far about Omicron—days after it emerged—as shared by South African scientists. Learn more: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2021-11-covid-variant-omicron.html