New coronavirus variant in South Africa has 10 mutations, 8 more than Delta

New Delhi : The researchers in South Africa have claimed that they have detected a new coronavirus variant which has a large number of mutations, saying that this has happened due to large number of infections.

The rise in daily cases has gone 10 folds as compared to the numbers during the start of the month. 

"Unfortunately we have detected a new variant which is a reason for concern in South Africa," virologist Tulio de Oliveira told a hastily-called news conference.

The variant, which goes by the scientific lineage number B.1.1.529, "has a very high number of mutations," he said, expressing hope that the World Health Organization will give it a Greek name on Friday.

"It's unfortunately causing a resurgence of infections," he said.

He also noted that the variant has been detected in Botswana and Hong Kong among the travellers who visited from South Africa.

Meanwhile, the World Health Organization (WHO) has said that they are 'closely monitoring' the new variant and is expected to convene a technical meeting on Friday to determine if it should be designated a variant of "interest" or of "concern".

"Early analysis shows that this variant has a large number of mutations that require and will undergo further study," the WHO added.