News

South African medical association: Omicron variant causes ‘mild disease’

Published

4 years ago

November 28, 2021

Ahron Young

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.

The chairwoman also criticised the decision by some countries to ban flights from South Africa is premature.

News

Iran buries nuclear site entrances amid rising tensions with the U.S.

Published

7 hours ago

February 11, 2026

Harvey Vargas

Satellite images reveal that Iran has buried all three tunnel entrances at its Isfahan nuclear complex. Analysts say the move mirrors defensive preparations taken before U.S. airstrikes devastated the facility last year, with no vehicle or personnel activity visible around the entrances.

The burial appears aimed at limiting damage from potential airstrikes and complicating any ground raid targeting enriched uranium stored in the underground facility. Experts suggest equipment or materials may have been moved into the tunnels for protection, though this remains unconfirmed.

The fortification comes amid ongoing U.S.-Iran tensions. President Trump has demanded Iran curb its nuclear program, warning of military action, while Tehran insists halting uranium enrichment is unacceptable. Recent indirect talks in Oman showed little progress toward a new deal.

News

Armed figure seen on CCTV as search intensifies for Savannah Guthries mother

CCTV shows armed figure near Nancy Guthrie’s home as search for the missing 84-year-old mother continues into week two.

Published

13 hours ago

February 11, 2026

Harvey Vargas

CCTV shows an armed figure near Nancy Guthrie’s home as the search for the missing 84-year-old mother continues into week two.

New CCTV footage has been released as police intensify the search for Nancy Guthrie, the mother of US Today show presenter Savannah Guthrie, who vanished in Tucson, Arizona.

The 84-year-old disappeared after returning home on January 31, with authorities now believing she may have been kidnapped during the early hours of February 1.

Investigators say the case has entered a critical phase as public attention grows around the alarming circumstances of her disappearance.

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News

Trump hints at military pressure as U.S. and Iran resume nuclear talks

US-Iran restart nuclear talks in Oman amid cautious optimism, while Trump considers military escalation and Israel demands stricter missile terms.

Published

14 hours ago

February 11, 2026

Harvey Vargas

US-Iran restart nuclear talks in Oman amid cautious optimism, while Trump considers military escalation and Israel demands stricter missile terms.

The United States and Iran have returned to the negotiating table in Oman, marking a fresh attempt to ease escalating nuclear tensions between the two long-time rivals. President Donald Trump described the talks as promising, suggesting momentum toward further discussions.

Iran’s Foreign Minister echoed cautious optimism, calling the meetings a positive first step while acknowledging deep-seated trust issues remain unresolved. At the heart of the talks is a major sticking point — the White House’s insistence that Iran dismantle its nuclear capability entirely.

Iran, however, maintains it has a sovereign right to enrich uranium, setting the stage for difficult negotiations ahead as both sides test whether diplomacy can hold.

#USIran #NuclearTalks #MiddleEastPolitics #Trump #IranNuclear #GlobalDiplomacy #WorldNews #TickerNews