On the 26th of November, 2021, the World Health Organization declared the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) variant B.1.1.529, Omicron, to be a variant of concern. The variant had unusual features and unique mutations, which suggested that therapeutic monoclonal antibodies might be less effective against it. Although investigations are ongoing, there is a possibility that the new variant could have an impact on viral transmission or the severity of illness.
*Important notice: medRxiv publishes preliminary scientific reports that are not peer-reviewed and, therefore, should not be regarded as conclusive, guide clinical practice/health-related behavior, or treated as established information.
*Important notice: medRxiv publishes preliminary scientific reports that are not peer-reviewed and, therefore, should not be regarded as conclusive, guide clinical practice/health-related behavior, or treated as established information.