like this before. many of them we ve seen in various variants of concern so far, but it s the complexity of the mutations that we re seeing today and the effects that it may have on both the immune response and transmissibility that are a huge concern. with belgium recording europe s first case of the omicron variant, the european commission in brussels called for a suspension of air travel to affected african countries. we do know that mutations could lead to the emergence and spread of even more concerning variants of the virus that could spread worldwide within a few months. it is now important that all of us in europe act very swiftly, decisively and united. vaccine companies say they can prepare updated versions of theirjabs, perhaps within 100 days, if the omicron variant is found to evade immunity. fergus walsh, bbc news. health authorities in the netherlands say based on initial test results, there were likely dozens of people infected with covid 19 among some 600 pas
welcome to our viewers on pbs in america and around the globe. the world health organization says that preliminary evidence suggests the new covid variant, first reported in south africa, carries a higher risk of infection than other strains. the united states has joined britain, the eu, and japan in announcing travel restrictions on several southern african countries to try to slow the spread of the variant, now officially named omicron. here s our medical editor fergus walsh. after months of opening up, the newly named omicron variant means travel restrictions are back. at heathrow, the last flights from south africa arrived this morning. i feel extremely relieved because who knows how long this long this is going to last, yeah? we ve been told we have to we have to isolate at home, so that shouldn t be too bad. from sunday, only uk and irish residents will be allowed in from six southern african countries, and they will have to pay to quarantine in a hotel. the travel r
hello. the world health organization says that preliminary evidence suggests the new covid variant, first reported in south africa, carries a higher risk of infection than other strains. the united states hasjoined britain, the eu and japan in announcing travel restrictions on several southern african countries to try to slow the spread of the variant, now officially named omicron. here s our medical editor fergus walsh. on paper, the new variant looks worrying, with twice the number of mutations found on delta. around 30 of these are in the spike protein the key the virus uses to unlock our cells and these changes may help it evade our body s defences. but so far, we don t know whether the variant causes more severe disease, whether vaccines will be lesseffective or drugs won t work. it s the sheer number and type of mutations that has scientists here troubled. some of them have never been seen in a combination like this before. many of them we ve seen in various variant
welcome to our viewers on pbs in america and around the globe. the world health organization says that preliminary evidence suggests the new covid variant first reported in south africa carries a higher risk of infection than other strains. the united states hasjoined britain, the eu and japan in announcing travel restrictions on several southern african countries to try to slow the spread of the variant, now officially named omicron. here s our medical editor fergus walsh. after months of opening up, the newly named omicron variant means travel restrictions are back. at heathrow, the last flights from south africa arrived this morning. i feel extremely relieved because, yeah, who knows how long this is going to last, yeah? we ve been told we have to we have to isolate at home, so that shouldn t be too bad. from sunday, only uk and irish residents will be allowed in from six southern african countries, and they ll have to pay to quarantine in a hotel. the travel restric
as the diplomatic row deepens. ukraine s president claims a plan to overthrow his government involving russia is imminent, as a russian troop buildup sparks fear of an invasion. # there are bugs on her dugs # there are flies in her eyes. one of the most influential figures in musical theatre, the legendary american songwriter stephen sondheim, has died at 91. hello and welcome to bbc news. the world health organization says that preliminary evidence suggests the new covid variant first reported in south africa carries a higher risk of infection than other strains. the united states has joined britain, the eu, and japan in announcing travel restrictions on several southern african countries, to try to slow the spread of the variant, now officially named omicron. here s our medical editor fergus walsh. after months of opening up, the newly named omicron variant means travel restrictions are back. at heathrow, the last flights from south africa arrived this morning. i feel extre