Omicron, a new strain of the coronavirus, has so far spread to 22 countries. According to the US media CNN, the strain has been most recently identified in Saudi Arabia.
Omicron was first identified in the African country of Botswana, according to the scientific journal Nature. It then spread to several other countries including South Africa, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Israel, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, the United Kingdom, Nigeria and so on.
Since the introduction of the new strain, various countries have imposed travel bans on African countries. At least 70 countries and territories have imposed travel bans on several African countries to prevent the virus from expanding, CNN reported. According to the BBC, many countries around the world are on high alert for concerns over Omicron. The World Health Organization (WHO) has described the new strain of corona as “worrying”.
Tulio T Algeria, director of the Center for Epidemic Response and Innovation in Africa, said it was “abnormally transformed and different from any other type.” He added, “We are shocked by this type.” The virus’ spike protein properties have changed more than 30 times now.