S Africa detects new Covid-19 variant, implications not yet clear

South African scientists have detected a new Covid-19 variant in small numbers and are working to understand its potential implications, they said on Thursday.

The variant - called B.1.1.529 - has a "very unusual constellation" of mutations, which are concerning because they could help it evade the body's immune response and make it more transmissible, scientists told reporters at a news conference.

Early signs from diagnostic laboratories suggest...