The World Health Organization (WHO) has classified a newly found coronavirus variant in South Africa as a “variant of concern.”

On November 9, WHO released a report stating that the initial infection was detected in a sample and named it Omicron, a letter in Greek alphabet.

Scientists believe the new variant, also known as B.1.1.529, is linked to the recent “exponential rise” in COVID-19 infections in Gauteng, South Africa’s most populous province. However, experts are currently trying to determine whether the novel variety is truly to blame.

WHO reports thatIt is said to be prevalent in South Africa, Botswana, Belgium, Hong Kong, Israel and Some parts of Europe