Lineages

Omicron

On 26 November 2021, WHO held an emergency meeting to discuss the B.1.1.529 novel coronavirus variant. After the meeting, WHO issued a statement listing the strain as a "mutant of concern" and naming it Omicron. It was first reported to WHO by South Africa on 24 November and the first sample infected with the mutant strain was collected on 9 November, the WHO said in a statement. The mutant contains a large number of mutations, some of which are worrying. This variant caused an increased risk of reinfection in humans compared to other "concerns" variants. The number of cases of this variant is now increasing in almost every province of South Africa.

On 29 November 2021, WHO stated that the overall global risk of the Novel Coronavirus variant omicron strain is assessed as "very high" with potential for widespread worldwide transmission.

Scientists have pointed out a possible link between the frequent emergence of new novel coronavirus variants in the South African province of Natal and the high prevalence of HIV in the region, where more than a quarter of adults are HIV positive.

The following table shows all the lineages named of Omicron by WHO.