WHO Statement on New COVID-19 Variant

The World Health Organization (WHO) spokesperson Christian Lindmeier stated that it will take several weeks to study the characteristics of the new coronavirus variant B.1.1.529. "Early analysis shows that this virus has a large number of mutations that require further study. We will need a few weeks to understand the impact of this variant. Researchers are working to better understand the mutations and their potential significance in terms of transmissibility or virulence of this variant," said Lindmeier.

He added that the possible impact of the new coronavirus variant on the effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines and diagnostic tools is also being investigated.