Officials say it will take weeks to understand implications of newly discovered strain, call for measured action

Airlines, travel stocks and major indexes plunge amid investor uncertainty over potential reversal of progress at getting pandemic under control

Strain causing anxiety around the world given Greek alphabet designation, in line with previous major variants such as Delta, as scientists race to understand its risks

Bennett says government 'preparing for every scenario' after 4 four possible cases of highly mutated B.1.1.529 variant detected in country, but no current plans for lockdown

Little is yet known of new strain, but it appears to be most heavily mutated version of the virus yet -- which could affect transmissibility and potentially limit vaccine efficacy

Germany, Italy, and Britain have already restricted most travel from South Africa and neighboring nations, as EU calls on entire bloc to follow suit

As arrival from Malawi becomes first case of highly mutated B.1.1.529 variant detected in country, Health Ministry said to urge mandating additional COVID test for all arrivals

2 other returnees from Malawi also suspected to have contagious B.1.1.529 variant; all 3 were vaccinated; PM calls meeting, urges purchase of PCR kits that better detect the strain

Health secretary says new highly-transmissible strain not yet found in Britain, but scientists 'deeply concerned'

Leaders weigh tighter restrictions as surging cases and coming winter threaten to undo hard-won gains