How Dangerous Is the New Covid Strain?

The new Omicron variant of Covid poses a "very high" global risk and could have "severe consequences" where there are surges, the World Health Organisation (WHO) said on Monday, adding that it is not yet known how contagious and dangerous it is. The Omicron variant is likely to spread internationally, the WHO said, urging countries to prepare by accelerating vaccinations and put mitigation plans in place to maintain essential health services.