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Scientists in South Africa say they have detected a new Covid-19 variant with multiple mutations, blaming it for a surge in infection numbers, reports AFP.
“Unfortunately we have detected a new variant which is a reason for concern in South Africa,” virologist Tulio de Oliveira told a hastily-called news conference.
The variant, which goes by the scientific lineage number B.1.1.529, “has a very high number of mutations,” he said. “It's unfortunately causing a resurgence of infections.”
It has also been detected in Botswana and Hong Kong among travellers from South Africa, he said.
