logo
episode-header-image
Dec 2021
16m 20s

How worried should we be about the Omicr...

The National Uae
About this episode

A new variant of coronavirus is spreading across the globe. 

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 on Monday, UK prime minister Boris Johnson announced what is believed to be the first death caused by Omicron. 

On this week's Beyond the Headlines, host Cody Combs asks: how worried should we be about Covid’s new variant?

Up next
Oct 9
What we know so far about the Gaza ceasefire breakthrough
Palestinians in Gaza took to the streets overnight to celebrate the prospect of a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. They welcomed the news of a deal to pause the fighting and release Israeli hostages held by Hamas. The agreement has not yet been signed and it is only the first ... Show More
10m 18s
Oct 7
Stolen moments: Two years of war in Gaza
Almost 70,000 Palestinians have been killed since the war in Gaza began two years ago after Hamas launched its deadly attack on Israel. About 90 per cent of residential buildings have been damaged or destroyed. On average, a child is killed every hour. The toll taken is often mea ... Show More
20m 18s
Oct 3
Reading between the lines of Trump’s Gaza plan
US President Donald Trump’s strategy to end the war in Gaza and prepare for the day after has divided opinion. After two years of failed ceasefire talks, it is the only prospect within reach now that could bring some respite to Palestinians enduring Israel’s relentless war. But i ... Show More
22m 19s
Recommended Episodes
Nov 2021
What We Know About the Omicron Variant
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. When scientists look at coronavirus mutations, they worry about three things: Is the new variant more contagious? Is it going to ... Show More
20m 50s
Nov 2021
What do we know about the Omicron variant?
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
15m 49s
Jan 2022
Why Omicron Is Counterintuitive
The Omicron variant is fueling record-breaking cases across the world and disrupting life. But it may not present as great a danger of hospitalization and severe illness as earlier variants. We explore why this is and what it means for the next stage of the pandemic.Guest: Carl Z ... Show More
26m 54s
Dec 2021
What to Expect From the Next Phase of the Pandemic
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 to u ... Show More
26m 32s
Dec 2021
How will we cope with the Omicron variant?
What are the possible implications as the Omicron variant spreads around the world? Experts from South Africa, the US and Europe assess the potential dangers and the remedies available. With Tanya Beckett.(Image: Coronavirus in the Vein/Getty/DrPixel) 
24m 2s