The new variant, which has yet to be given a name, has over 30 mutations in the spike protein — the part of the virus that affects transmissibility.
A new COVID-19 variant has emerged in Botswana, spreading to South Africa and Hong Kong. There are nearly 100 confirmed cases across the globe of the new variant, called B.1.1.529. It’s so new, it’s yet to be assigned a name by the World Health Organization (though if it is given one, it is likely to be called Nu, the next available letter in the Greek naming system).
Variants pop up all the time — like all viruses, SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes the COVID-19 illness, constantly mutates.
Former Associate Editor @AmberMaySchultz
Amber Schultz covered health and social affairs for Crikey. In 2022 she was awarded a Young Walkley Award for her on-the-ground coverage of the Ukrainian refugee crisis, and has been shortlisted for four other Young Walkleys. In 2021 she was awarded the 2021 Mumbrella Young Writer of the Year for her coverage of sexual violence, and in 2018 completed the Jacoby-Walkley scholarship. She holds master's degrees in journalism and international relations.
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