New coronavirus strain named with Greek letter omicron

This was reported by RIA Novosti with reference to a statement following an emergency meeting of the Technical Advisory Group on the Evolution of Viruses.

“Based on the evidence presented indicating a disastrous change in the epidemiology of COVID-19, the advisory group advised WHO that this option should be designated as an option of concern, and WHO has designated B.1.1.529 as such, giving it the name omicron.” said in a statement.

Earlier it was reported that the WHO has identified a new strain of coronavirus as causing concern.

On November 25, it became known that scientists have identified a new strain of coronavirus in Botswana, South Africa and Hong Kong, which could potentially become the most dangerous variant of the coronavirus.

It was named B.1.1.529 and has an “incredibly high” number of mutations.

Kirill Masliev, the head of preventive medicine at EMC, founder of the Heroi Foundation for the support of medical workers, Ph.D.