New variant appears to cause less severe illness than previous versions of coronavirus, but seems to be more easily transmitted and is better at evading vaccines
Health Ministry officials tell public broadcaster that between five and nine cases have no known source, indicating variant may have escaped containment efforts
Cyril Ramaphosa self-isolating and has delegated responsibilities to the deputy president; no indication if he was infected with Omicron variant first identified in South Africa
Britain's PM says everyone over 18 to be eligible for COVID booster shot by end of December; health agency warns existing vaccines appear less effective against new variant
UN health agency cites data indicating infections from new variant are 'mild' or asymptomatic, predicts it will overtake Delta 'where community transmission occurs'
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