New COVID variant dubbed 'omicron' by WHO, classified as 'variant of concern' A COVID-19 variant first discovered in South Africa has been dubbed "omicron" and classified a "variant of concern," — the most worrying type — by the World Health Organization and one of the first indicators that it is worth consideration as an increased threat. First reported on Nov. 24, infection rates in South Africa have "increased steeply," coinciding with the detection of the variant, according to a Friday statement from the WHO. The U.S. will restrict travel from South Africa, as well as Botswana, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Lesotho, Eswatini, Mozambique and Malawi, according to a statement from senior officials from the Biden administration. The policy does not apply to American citizens and permanent residents. Dr. Anthony Fauci, President Joe Biden's chief medical adviser, said American officials will have a call with South African officials Friday to find out more about the variant. He added there was no indication the variant had arrived in the U.S. yet. Go to the link in our bio to read more | #omicron #omicronvariant #covid #covid19 #coronavirus #WHO #worldhealthorganization