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The Technical Advisory Group on SARS-CoV-2 Virus Evolution (TAG-VE) is an independent group of experts that periodically monitors and evaluates the evolution of SARS-CoV-2 and assesses if specific mutations and combinations of mutations alter the behaviour of the virus. The TAG-VE was convened on 26 November 2021 to assess the SARS-CoV-2 variant: B.1.1.529.

The B.1.1.529 variant was first reported to WHO from South Africa on 24 November 2021. The epidemiological situation in South Africa has been characterized by three distinct peaks in reported cases, the latest of which was predominantly the Delta variant. In recent weeks, infections have increased steeply, coinciding with the detection of B.1.1.529 variant. The first known confirmed B.1.1.529 infection was from a specimen collected on 9 November 2021.

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Read more about WHO statement on clasification Classification of Omicron : SARS-CoV-2 as Variant of Concern
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U.S., EU restrict travel from southern Africa because of new COVID variant named "omicron"

Fri, 2021-11-26 14:32 — mike kraft

New virus variant emerges in Africa, stokes worldwide fears | AP News BRUSSELS (AP) — The discovery of a new coronavirus variant sent a chill through much of the world Friday as nations raced to halt air travel, markets fell sharply and scientists held emergency meetings to weigh the exact risks, which were largely unknown. AP NEWS

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Read more about U.S., EU restrict travel from southern Africa because of new COVID variant named "omicron"
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Belgium, Israel detect first cases of new COVID-19 variant.

Fri, 2021-11-26 11:23 — mike kraft

Belgium detects first case of new COVID variant in Europe Belgium detected Europe's first confirmed case of the new variant of COVID-19 on Friday, and at the same time announced measures aimed at curbing a rapidly spreading fourth wave of coronavirus infections. Marine Strauss,Philip Blenkinsop Reuters

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Ana;ysis: The debate over the definition of "fully vaccinated--whether it mean a booster

Fri, 2021-11-26 10:56 — mike kraft

Tensions emerge over redefining the fully vaccinated A debate is emerging around what it means to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, as some state and local officials push to change the definition to include an additional dose of a coronavirus Nathaniel Weixel TheHill

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Analysis: BBC and AP analysis of the new variant.

Fri, 2021-11-26 09:52 — mike kraft

New Covid variant: How worried should we be? Scientists are closely watching a new variant circulating in South Africa - but there are few clear answers. BBC News

We're back in familiar territory - growing concern about a new variant of coronavirus.

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Read more about Analysis: BBC and AP analysis of the new variant.
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Nations takes action as new variant emerges in southern Africa

Fri, 2021-11-26 07:47 — mike kraft

World takes action as new variant emerges in southern Africa | AP News BRUSSELS (AP) — A slew of nations moved to stop air travel from southern Africa on Friday, and stocks plunged in Asia and Europe in reaction to news of a new, potentially more transmissible COVID-19 variant. AP NEWS

BRUSSELS (AP) — A slew of nations moved to stop air travel from southern Africa on Friday, and stocks plunged in Asia and Europe in reaction to news of a new, potentially more transmissible COVID-19 variant.

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Read more about Nations takes action as new variant emerges in southern Africa
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A new Covid-19 variant could show immune evasion and enhanced transmissibility, South African scientists warn

Fri, 2021-11-26 07:44 — mike kraft

A new Covid-19 variant could show immune evasion and enhanced transmissibility, South African scientists warn South Africa's health minister announced Thursday the discovery of a new coronavirus variant that appears to be spreading rapidly in parts of the country. David McKenzie and Ghazi Balkiz, CNN CNN

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SARS-CoV-2 antibody levels predict COVID vaccine efficacy, study finds

Wed, 2021-11-24 19:11 — mike kraft

COVID-19 Scan for Nov 24, 2021 CIDRAP

SARS-CoV-2 antibody concentrations predict COVID-19 vaccine effectiveness, with higher levels correlating with greater protection, according to an ongoing US phase 3 clinical trial yesterday in Science.

A team led by researchers from Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in Seattle evaluated 30,420 adult recipients of the Moderna mRNA COVID-19 vaccine at 99 centers for neutralizing and binding antibodies as correlates of risk for, and protection against, infection.

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