Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) – The World Health Organization (WHO) named a new strain of coronavirus B.1.1.529 in accordance with the 15th letter of the Greek alphabet - "Omicron".

The organization has identified this strain as a "variant of concern." It is noted that this strain has 32 mutations, some of which are of concern.

For the first time strain B.1.1.529 was identified in South Africa. It is also found in Botswana, Israel, Hong Kong, and Belgium.

The WHO indicated that current PCR tests can detect this strain.

Preliminary evidence suggests an increased risk of re-infection with this variant compared to other strains. Experts are currently gathering information about the new strain. In particular, their task is to determine how much the currently used COVID-19 vaccines protect against it.