WHO: Existing PCR tests recognize newly discovered variant of coronavirus B.1.1.529 
The World Health Organization (WHO) has assessed the ability of existing PCR tests to recognize a new strain of coronavirus B.1.1.529, identified in South Africa, writes RIA Novosti with reference to the WHO statement.
It is noted that PCR tests recognize the recently discovered variant of COVID-19, named Greek the letter “omicron”. The WHO also stressed that the new variant has the potential to spread faster, but it can be detected by the loss of the S-gene during testing.
The first reports of infection with a new strain in South Africa, Botswana and Hong Kong appeared 24 November. Later, news about the discovery of another variant of the evolution of COVID-19 appeared in Israel and Belgium.