Botswana / London – A new variant of Covid has emerged in South Africa and Botswana. This variant is even more fatal than the previous fastest-spreading types, Delta and Beta. Moreover, it has infected more than about 100 patients so far. It has been unveiled that more than 50 mutations have occurred in this new type of Covid.  

As the new variant surfaced, scientists around the world began warning. Besides Africa, patients have been identified in Israel as well as Hong Kong. Thus, the World Health Organization (WHO) arranged for an urgent meeting on Friday.  

A few days ago, a new variant was detected in Corona patients found in South Africa. With more than 100 patients reported in South Africa alone, four have been found in neighbouring Botswana. This also includes individuals who have been vaccinated. In addition to these two countries, Israel and Hong Kong also have seen the emergence of patients with the new variant, which has caused a stir. This variant is currently being referred to as B.1.1.529.  

Researchers and health experts in South Africa have expressed intense concerns about the new variant. The new variant of Covid has been detected with an ‘unusual constellation of mutations’ that was not seen in any of the previous types before, said Professor Tulio de Oliveira. So far, the study has found more than 50 ‘mutations’ in the new variant that include 30 mutations in the spike proteins of the viruses, Oliveira said. As the composition of the spike protein is conclusive to develop a vaccine, major changes that have occurred in it could prove a challenge for researchers, warned experts.  

The new variant is presumed to have evolved from a Corona infection in an AIDS patient, have claimed some British researchers. However, no apparent affirmation has been received yet. The new B1.1.529 variant can reduce the effectiveness of the vaccine by about 40% have warned researchers. Against this backdrop, the WHO has arranged for an emergency meeting on Friday. Various countries around the world have signalled restrictions on foreign travel. Europe, currently the epicentre of the Corona Wave, has begun to prepare for imposing flight travel sanctions on some African countries. Sources informed that Britain has also started movements in this regard.  

Stock markets around the world have started crushing sharply against the backdrop of the discovery of a new variant; and the fearsome situation of Corona in Europe. Stock indices in Europe as well as Asia, including the United States, have been hit hard. Stock indices in the US have fallen by two per cent, whereas in Europe by two to three-and-a-half per cent. Stock markets in Asia, China, Japan and India have also been hit. 

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