What we know about the COVID-19 Omicron strain so far

[View in browser]( [Mother Jones Daily Newsletter]( November 29, 2021 Hello, and welcome to the monthlong pre-Christmas grind. You've probably heard by now that there's a new coronavirus variant called Omicron, and that no one really knows how severe it is or whether vaccines will be effective in preventing it. President Biden assured Americans today that "this variant is a cause for concern, not a cause for panic." But his actions—[banning most travel to the United States]( from eight southern African countries—suggest more than a little trepidation. Scientists in South Africa first detected Omicron, which has been linked to coronavirus surges in that country, but it's unclear where exactly the new variant developed. South Africa [says it's being punished]( with travel bans for doing its part in detecting new mutations and alerting the world to a potential threat. New cases have already been detected in Australia, the United Kingdom, Germany, and Canada, [among others](. So, what's the game plan? After nearly two years of COVID-related restrictions, many Americans are understandably weary of mask mandates and limitations on large gatherings. Today, Biden encouraged everyone eligible to get vaccinated—and, if possible, to get a booster shot. Aside from that, the message remains: Keep calm and carry on. —Abigail Weinberg Advertisement [Icarus Films, Inc.]( [Top Story] [Top Story]( [Here’s What We Know About the COVID-19 Omicron Strain So Far]( "This looks different," one scientist warns. BY JACKIE FLYNN MOGENSEN SPONSORED POST [Sponsored Content]( [Mother Jones Giving Guide]( THIS CONTENT WAS PAID FOR AND SPONSORED BY [MOTHER JONES PARTNERS](. [Trending] [Anonymous Republican bravely stands up to Kevin McCarthy]( BY JEREMY SCHULMAN [MAGA congressman falsely claims Omicron variant is part of plot to rig 2022 election]( BY NATHALIE BAPTISTE [Lauren Boebert apologizes for "unnecessary distraction" of her bigoted comments about Ilhan Omar]( BY JACKIE FLYNN MOGENSEN [The QAnon cult leader in Dallas has an allegedly violent past]( BY ALI BRELAND Advertisement [Icarus Films, Inc.]( [Special Feature] [Special Feature]( [The Pope Welcomed Biden. So Why Are US Catholic Bishops Waging a Holy War?]( And their not-so-secret weapon is the Holy Eucharist. BY KATHRYN JOYCE [Fiercely Independent] Support from readers allows Mother Jones to do journalism that doesn't just follow the pack. [Donate]( Did you enjoy this newsletter? Help us out by [forwarding]( it to a friend or sharing it on [Facebook]( and [Twitter](. [Mother Jones]( [Donate]( [Subscribe]( This message was sent to {EMAIL}. To change the messages you receive from us, you can [edit your email preferences]( or [unsubscribe from all mailings.]( For advertising opportunities see our online [media kit.]( Were you forwarded this email? [Sign up for Mother Jones' newsletters today.]( [www.MotherJones.com]( PO Box 8539, Big Sandy, TX 75755