Now that a new variant of Covid-19 has been detected in South Africa, scientists and researchers are tasked with understanding how the latest variant could impact the already observed behaviour of the coronavirus. Experts have noted familiarities between the Omicron Covid-19 variant and the Beta variant. And some red flags were raised, one being an increase in spike proteins – a protein found on the surface of the virus that causes Covid-19, and how it can affect how the virus can be neutralized. What do we know so far about the new variant, and what could this mean for vaccinated persons? Guest: Professor Jeffery Mphahlela, Virologist