Israel identifies first case of new COVID-19 variant

Israel has identified the first case of a new COVID-19 variant, which was first found in South Africa as well as other countries in Africa, the Health Ministry said, reported from Haaretz.

The variant – called B.1.1.529 – has a "very unusual constellation" of mutations, which are concerning because they could help it evade the body's immune response and make it more transmissible, according to experts.

According to the Health Ministry, a passenger who returned from Malawi was identified carrying strain. In addition, the ministry suspects that two more passengers may have been infected with the new strain. The two have been instructed to quarantine as they are still waiting for their results.

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