JERUSALEM: BA.2.86, the new variant of COVID-19, has been reported in Israel for the first time, according to local media.
After being discovered in the US, the UK, and Denmark, the variant has now been confirmed by the Israel Public Broadcasting Organization (KAN), making this the fourth reported case globally.
It was mentioned that the World Health Organization (WHO) was concerned because BA.2.86 could make vaccinations ineffective due to the new version’s numerous mutations.
The WHO previously classified BA.2.86 as a “variant under monitoring” due to the multiple mutations it carries. —AA/APP
