Omicron: what we know about the COVID variant seen in at least 11 states
CBSN
The Omicron variant of SARS-CoV-2 is the latest strain of the coronavirus to be designated a "variant of concern" by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: more and more cases are being reported around the world, and it has an unusual combination of mutations that may enable it to spread faster and overcome some of the body's defenses. The coronavirus variants experts are most concerned about
At least 29 cases have been confirmed across 11 states: California, New Jersey, Utah, Colorado, Missouri, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Nebraska, Hawaii, New York and Minnesota.
Some local leaders have warned Omicron is likely spreading undetected in the community, spotting several cases in people who had not left the country. Forty countries have also reported cases, CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky said on Friday.
