Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- The World Health Organization called the likelihood of further spread of the omicron COVID-19 strain high at the global level. The WHO added that the overall risks associated with the emergence of a new variant of the virus are assessed as very high.

A few days ago, scientists reported the appearance in Botswana and South Africa of a strain of coronavirus B.1.1.529, which contains 32 mutations in the S-protein, which is necessary for the pathogen to infect cells.

According to the researchers, many of the new changes in the SARS-CoV-2 genome indicate a high transmissibility of this variant and resistance to protective antibodies of those who have been ill and vaccinated, although it is too early to draw final conclusions. Experts suggest that B.1.1.529 originally developed in an immunocompromised person - probably a person with AIDS or HIV.

According to foreign media outlets, about a hundred infected have been registered in South Africa. There are several cases in Hong Kong, Israel, Belgium, Czech Republic, Germany, Great Britain, Italy, Australia, and also, presumably, in the Netherlands and Austria. All these cases are imported.

The World Health Organization (WHO) at an emergency meeting on Friday recognized B.1.1.529 as "of concern" and named it "omicron" after the 15th letter of the Greek alphabet. The European Union and many other countries have introduced travel bans from some African states.