Omicron variant could outcompete Delta, South African disease expert says

If Omicron proves more transmissible than the Delta variant, it could lead to a sharp spike in infections that could put pressure on hospitals, the director of South Africa's communicable disease institute said.

The Omicron coronavirus variant detected in southern Africa could be the most likely candidate to displace the highly contagious Delta variant, the director of South Africa's communicable disease institute said on Tuesday.

The discovery of Omicron has caused global alarm, with countries limiting travel from southern Africa for fear it could spread quickly even in vaccinated populations and the World Health Organization saying it carries a high risk of infection surges.