Just when we thought things are going back to normal, we are often times reminded that we're still living in the world ravaged by a pandemic.

This latest piece of news should serve as a rude awakening.

New variant detected

A new variant of the COVID-19 virus has reportedly been detected in South Africa, AFP reported.

Scientists have discovered that the new variant contains multiple mutations, and they are blaming it for the sudden surge in COVID-19 cases in the country.

Virologist Tulio de Oliveira told the news agency that the variant, which is known as B.1.1.529, "has a very high number of mutations".

According to de Oliveira, the strain was also detected in Botswana and Hong Kong among travellers from South Africa.

Image credit: Reuters

After recording just 100 cases earlier this month, the number of infections shot up exponentially to 1,200 cases on Wednesday (24 November).

As such, the country's Health Minister Joe Phaahla said the variant was of "serious concern".

Let's hope the country will be able to contain the new strain, because the last thing we need right now is yet another variant wreaking havoc around the world.

MAIN IMAGE CREDIT: Al Jazeera

Alamak! South Africa Has Just Detected A New COVID-19 Variant That Contains High Number Of Mutations

New variant detected