Explainer: Why the Covid-19 Omicron variant has sparked global concern

India has recorded two cases of Omicron so far, both in Karnataka.

Tabassum Barnagarwala

· 14 hours ago

Is Omicron more contagious than Delta? A virus evolution expert explains

It’s too early to say whether the newly identified variant is going to overtake Delta. But particular mutations in the new strain have researchers worried.

Suresh V Kuchipudi, The Conversation

· Dec 02, 2021 · 09:30 pm

Omicron variant is proof of the high cost of rich countries’ greed for Covid-19 vaccines

Unless governments take urgent action to correct inequities in access to doses, we risk the emergence of further variants, some of which may evade immunity.

Deborah Gleeson, The Conversation

· Dec 01, 2021 · 07:30 pm

Omicron seems to cause milder illness. Does it mean Covid-19 is becoming endemic?

It is very common for viruses to become less virulent once they become established in a population.

Hamish McCallum, The Conversation

· Nov 30, 2021 · 11:30 pm

Does the AstraZeneca vaccine give longer-lasting protection than Pfizer and Moderna shots?

While the adenovirus vector vaccines have been around for decades, the mRNA vaccines are relatively new.

Nathan Bartlett, The Conversation

· Nov 30, 2021 · 07:30 pm

Travel bans may buy some time, but they are unlikely to stop the new coronavirus variant

Apart from South Africa, the Omicron variant has already been detected in the UK, Germany, Israel, Hong Kong and Belgium.

Anthony Zwi, The Conversation

· Nov 29, 2021 · 01:30 pm

What we know about the feared Omicron variant of Covid-19 – and how it was found in South Africa

B.1.1.529 carries certain mutations that are concerning, but we still don’t know if it is really worrying.

Wolfgang Preiser, The Conversation

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Cathrine Scheepers, The Conversation

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Jinal Bhiman, The Conversation

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Marietjie Venter, The Conversation

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Tulio de Oliveira, The Conversation

· Nov 28, 2021 · 07:30 pm

Why India’s private sector wants to give booster shots – and what this reveals about flawed policy

A differential pricing policy has created a situation where private hospitals have stockpiles of vaccines, but no takers. Worse, the doses might expire soon.

Tabassum Barnagarwala

· Nov 23, 2021 · 06:30 am

Covid-19 cases are declining in India – but not because of vaccinations alone

Daily new cases have dropped to below 10,000.

Rajib Dasgupta, The Conversation

· Nov 22, 2021 · 07:30 pm

Did Mumbai undercount its Covid-19 deaths?

Compared to 2019, a substantial spike in deaths was seen during the first and second waves. Experts are certain they were because of coronavirus.

Sabah Virani, Citizen Matters

· Nov 21, 2021 · 01:30 pm

Coronavirus: Is vaccine immunity waning in India?

Though new cases are declining, the share of the elderly in total deaths has risen slightly in Mumbai, Tamil Nadu and Kerala.

Rukmini S, IndiaSpend.com

· Nov 18, 2021 · 01:30 pm

Why Covid-19 vaccination coverage lags behind in several of India’s tribal-majority districts

Of the 48 districts where first dose coverage is less than 50%, half are home to large tribal populations.

Tabassum Barnagarwala

· Nov 16, 2021 · 09:00 am