The WHO names the new variant of Covid-19 as Omicron and classifies it as “worrisome”

The new variant B.1.1.529 of Covid-19, detected for the first time in southern Africa, was classified on Friday as “worrying” by the World Health Organization (WHO) and will bear the name “Omicron“.

“Variant B.1.1.529 was first reported to WHO by South Africa on November 24, 2021 … This variant has a large number of mutations, some of which are of concern,” the group said. of experts commissioned by WHO to follow the evolution of Covid-19.

Earlier, the United States said it hopes to have more scientific data on the new variant of the coronavirus detected in South Africa to make an “informed decision” on an eventual border closure.

“We will make a decision as soon as possible, when we have more data” on the matter, said the adviser to the White House about the pandemic, Anthony Fauci.

France, the Netherlands or Great Britain, among other countries, have already banned flights from South Africa and five neighboring countries as of noon this Friday.

“This type of option is always considered, but it does not mean that it will be done before having a scientific reason to do it,” said the American immunologist. “That is why we are now rushing to collect this scientific data to make an informed decision.”

Fauci said that so far “there is no indication” that the new variant of Covid-19 has been detected on US soil.