The omicron coronavirus variant, said to be first detected in
South Africa, may have slipped into other countries even before the strain was
detected, new findings indicate. According to the World Health Organization
(WHO), South Africa first reported the variant to the health body on November
24. Netherlands’ RIVM health institute is said to have found omicron in samples
dating November 19 and 23.

The new and highly-mutative strain has spread to several
countries already, including Japan and France. While the actual
transmissibility of the new strain is yet to be understood, a WHO official said
Tuesday that there might be a steep rise in infections in parts of southern Africa.

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The omicron variant was first detected in the populous Gauteng
province in South Africa. Since then, South African health officials say that
the country has seen a 330% rise in coronavirus-related hospitalisations. The
Gauteng province itself say 580 hospitalisations over the last few days,
official data showed.

Tuesday’s findings have thrown a spanner into the work of
finding the origin of the variant. The announcement by Netherlands further
muddles the timeline.

The risks associated with the viral strain and the experience
with the Delta variant has prompted several nations to up their guard and
impose travel restrictions on people coming in from “at-risk” countries. South
Africa has spoken out against the travel ban and the WHO, which congratulated
South Africa for alerting the body to the new strain, has also called upon
nations to not impose travel bans.

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Despite appeals, Japan has already announced a ban on all
foreign travellers from Tuesday. It was after the announcement was made that
the country found an omicron case. A Namibian diplomat who recently arrived
from his country tested positive for the variant.

The World Health Organization said on Monday that the global
risk from omicron is “very high” and early evidence suggests that it could be
more contagious. A section of scientists is concerned that existing vaccines
may not work effectively against the omicron variant.

(With inputs from Associated Press)