Top South African scientist says reinfections on the rise, but initial research shows being immunized protects carriers of new variant from severe illness or death
UN health agency says Omicron has been detected in two dozen countries, warns travel bans making it hard to share samples of mutated coronavirus strain
Rich nations like France and Japan have given at least one dose to over 75 percent of their populations; in South Africa, only a quarter of population has been vaccinated.
Citing preliminary info, UN health agency says Omicron could fuel outbreaks with 'severe consequences,' and stresses there are 'considerable uncertainties' about the mutated strain
Global health organization says some mutations 'may be associated with immune escape potential and higher transmissibility,' but notes uncertainties remain
President Cyril Ramaphosa says blacklisting his nation is 'scientifically unjustified'; UN health director in Africa says it may only slightly reduce the spread of COVID
Firm that developed vaccine with Pfizer says it will have more data available next month, but has plans in motion to be able to mass-manufacture adapted inoculation
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