Now do this put-the-text-back-together activity.
This is the text (if you need help).
A new variant of the covid-19 virus is beginning to spread worldwide. The WHO named the mutation Omicron, after a letter of the Greek alphabet. It was first reported in Botswana on the 9th of November. Two weeks later, it was detected in South Africa and flagged as a "virus of concern". Soon after this, cases were reported in Hong Kong, Israel, Madagascar and Belgium. Epidemiologists have warned that this new strain could be extremely infectious. They also said it may be able to evade protections afforded us by current vaccines. This has led to countries reinstating travel bans. Despite these, new cases have already been reported in the UK, Germany and the Czech Republic.
Scientists are currently analyzing Omicron to assess the dangers it might pose. They have detected 50 genetic changes in the DNA that affects the spikes surrounding the crown of the virus. Current vaccines focus on these spikes. Any changes in the DNA of the spikes could make the virus more virulent, more transmissible and possibly more resistant against vaccines. Scientists say it could take a few weeks to determine how effective our vaccines are against Omicron. The White House's chief medical adviser has warned that: "When you have a virus that is showing this degree of transmissibility, and you're already having travel-related cases…it almost invariably is ultimately going to go all over [the world]."
- Who named the new variant Omicron?
- Where was the variant first reported?
- What is Omicron being flagged as?
- Who warned Omicron could be extremely infectious?
- What have many countries reinstated?
- How many genetic changes in Omicron have scientists discovered?
- What do current vaccines focus on?
- How long might it take scientists to find out how dangerous Omicron is?
- Which member of the White House staff commented on Omicron?
- Where did the White House staffer say Omicron might travel?
Back to the Omicron lesson.
