Early indications suggest most Omicron coronavirus cases are "mild", an official at the World Health Organisation (WHO) has said.
Speaking on behalf of the organisation, the official said there is no evidence to suggest the efficacy of vaccines has been reduced by the
new strain - but did say some mutations of the virus indicate an increased risk of quicker transmission.
They said more than 40 different mutations have been identified with the Omicron variant.
The WHO official, quoted by Reuters, added there is still a lot unknown about the new strain.