JOHANNESBURG — South African scientists are scrambling to determine how quickly a newly discovered variant of the coronavirus can spread and if it is resistant to vaccines. The new strain has led Britain to reimpose flights bans on six southern African countries, which could deal another heavy blow to their economies.

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Omicron More Transmissible but Seems Less Severe: South Africa Health Minister

JOHANNESBURG — South Africa’s health minister has confirmed omicron is the most transmissible coronavirus variant yet but does not appear as severe. The minister, Dr. Joe Phaala, says previous concerns that omicron was hospitalizing more children appear to be unfounded.

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South Africa urges vaccine use as omicron spreads

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Experts: Travel bans another blow to crippled South African economy