The new Omicron variant of the coronavirus results in mild disease, without prominent symptoms, according to the South African Medical Association.
As the world reacts with concern to the new variant of COVID-19, officials in South Africa have called for calm.
Angelique Coetzee, the chairwoman of the South African Medical Association, says the symptoms of the new variant aren’t as severe as the original.
“It presents mild disease with symptoms being sore muscles and tiredness for a day or two not feeling well. So far, we have detected that those infected do not suffer loss of taste or smell.”
“They might have a slight cough. There are no prominent symptoms. Of those infected some are currently being treated at home,” Coetzee said.
Vaccination hope
The official noted that hospitals have not been overburdened by Omicron patients and that the new strain is not been detected in vaccinated persons. However, the situation might be different for the unvaccinated.
The World Health Organization (WHO) identified the new South African strain as one of concern, as it is reported to carry a high number of mutations.
The WHO has dubbed it Omicron, the 15th letter of the Greek alphabet.
“We will only know this after two weeks. Yes, it is transmissible, but for now, as medical practitioners, we do not know why so much hype is being driven as we are still looking into it.”
“We will only know after two to three weeks as there are some patients admitted and these are young people aged 40 and younger,” Coetzee added.
Ahron Young is an award winning journalist who has covered major news events around the world. Ahron is the Managing Editor and Founder of TICKER NEWS.
In Short:
– Tyler Robinson, 22, was arrested for allegedly murdering activist Charlie Kirk, 31, at a university event in Utah.
– Witnesses revealed Robinson’s negative views on Kirk and links to anti-fascist sentiments through his messages and actions.
Tyler Robinson, 22, was arrested following the alleged murder of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, 31, during a university event in Utah.
Authorities reported that Robinson shared details about the incident on Discord, discussing his actions after the shooting.
He reportedly inscribed internet culture references on the bullets used, including anti-fascist sentiments.
Witness testimonies indicate Robinson had expressed negative views about Kirk prior to the attack, which he described as “spreading hate.”
He arrived campus in a grey Dodge Challenger and opened fire, leading to Kirk’s immediate collapse. Following the incident, Robinson’s father and a minister turned him in to the police.
Political Context
Robinson’s messages, including references to anti-fascist imagery and memes, indicated a motive tied to Kirk’s political beliefs.
Governor Spencer Cox noted Robinson’s increasing political engagement and dissatisfaction with Kirk’s views in conversations with relatives. The investigation raised concerns over targeted violence linked to political ideology.
Wall Street traders are increasingly confident the Federal Reserve will cut rates next week.
Fresh inflation data has showed prices edging higher but growth slowing, and with jobs, markets, and political pressure all in focus, the Fed’s decision could be pivotal for the economy.
In Short:
– Federal authorities are investigating the shooting of Charlie Kirk, who was killed at Utah Valley University.
– A manhunt for the actual shooter is underway; two men have been questioned and released without charges.
Federal authorities are investigating the shooting of conservative influencer Charlie Kirk, who was killed while speaking at Utah Valley University.
The incident occurred around 12:20 PM when Kirk was shot in the neck, leading to a chaotic scene as attendees fled. Kirk, a father of two, died shortly after being taken to a local hospital.Investigators believe the shooter fired from a building approximately 200 yards away.
During the aftermath, two men, one of whom claimed to have fired the shot, were taken into custody but later released without charges. A manhunt is ongoing for the actual shooter.
Utah Governor Spencer Cox stated that those responsible will be held accountable, outlining the state’s commitment to justice.
President Donald Trump condemned the political climate surrounding Kirk’s death, blaming extreme rhetoric and violence.
In a statement, he remembered Kirk as a patriot who advocated for open debate. Following the incident, vigils were held nationwide, and classes at the university have been cancelled.
Ongoing Investigation
As investigations continue, American flags will fly at half-staff until Sunday in honour of Kirk.
“I want to be very clear that this is a political assassination,” Utah Governor Spencer Cox, a Republican, told a news conference.
“And I just want to remind people that we still have the death penalty here in the state of Utah.
The Utah Department of Public Safety said that its State Crime Lab was “working with multiple active crime scenes”.
“These were identified based on where the victim was shot, as well as the locations where the suspect and victim travelled,” a department statement said.
“The shooting is believed to be a targeted attack. The shooter is believed to have fired from the roof of a building down to the location of the public event in the student courtyard.”
Eyewitness account
Attendee Tiana Lao said the shooting came as a shock in what otherwise felt like an= normal event.
“We didn’t realise it was real at first and then everyone began rushing out, shouting to get down in panic and distress,” she told ABC News.
“People were excited. There were some opponents like there usually are at these events … but they were peaceful, so this was a total shock.”