Getty ImagesThe StoryA new variant is causing concern. Tell me more. COVID-19 was detected nearly two years ago.But its contagious variants – like alpha and delta – have caused alarm.Now, health officials are monitoring a new variant that could be putting up a big fight. And we're sure you have plenty of questions about it, so let's get right to it... The deets...The variant's named omicron (nothing to do with the French President). And was first detected in South Africa earlier this month. It’s helped drive a jump in cases there. And has now been detected in several places around the world (like Botswana, the Netherlands, Denmark, the UK, Australia, and Hong Kong). Is it more dangerous? This is the WHO's fifth “variant of concern.” But experts say it's acting differently than other variants. And that it has an unusually high number of mutations, which could make it more transmissible. Early evidence also suggests omicron can increase the “risk of reinfection.” So, do vaccines protect against it? It's unclear. Some experts say the current vaccines should be effective at preventing hospitalization or death. But others say omicron's erratic nature (given its many mutations) could be resistant to vaccines. Moderna is already looking into boosting its boosters to kick omicron to the curb. What does this mean for travel? The US and the EUare restricting travel from South Africa (and several other southern African countries) –with some exceptions. Other countries like Japan and India have announced new measures, including stricter testing and screening of travelers. And Israel is banning all foreigners in an effort to curb the spread. What are people saying? US health officials are urging for calm as they get “better information” on the new variant. New York has declared a state of emergency in preparation for a potential spike in cases.And the EU is encouraging social distancing, vaccinations, boosters, and other measures as scientists monitor omicron. And what about South Africa? An African Union official said the variant could have been prevented had it not been for “the world's failure” to provide equitable access to COVID-19 vaccines.And the South African gov said they’re basically being “punished”with travel restrictions for discovering the new variant...and warning the world. theSkimmHealth officials have been ringing the alarm about a potential fifth wave in the US. Now, they worry that omicron could already be in the US– serving as a reminder to keep protecting yourself. | 