How will we cope with the Omicron varian...

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<p>A new variant of coronavirus is spreading across the globe. </p> <p>Named Omicron, after the 15th letter of the Greek alphabet, it has sparked travel bans around the world. In South Africa, where the variant was first identified, it has quickly become the dominant strain. And ... Show More

Scientist in South Africa have identified a new variant of the Covid-19 virus. Cases of the Omicron variant have been identified in countries including Belgium, Germany, Australia and Hong Kong. Some countries have put restrictions on travel from parts of Southern Africa. Scienti ... Show More

<p>The story of the Omicron variant began a week ago, when researchers in southern Africa detected a version of the coronavirus that carried 50 mutations. </p><p>When scientists look at coronavirus mutations, they worry about three things: Is the new variant more contagious? Is i ... Show More

<p>The Omicron variant of the coronavirus is incredibly contagious — it is able to infect people with even greater frequency than the Delta variant, and it is skilled at evading the immune system’s defenses. Much is still unknown about the new variant, and scientists are racing t ... Show More

The Omicron surge may have peaked in the U.S., but parts of the world are seeing crippling levels of cases. Jason Beaubien, NPR global health and development correspondent, joins the show to talk about where the virus is spreading, different countries' strategies for controlling ... Show More