Explainer: The New Coronavirus Variant in South Africa—Are Concerns Justified?

Passengers wearing protective masks walk to the check-in counters at the O.R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg, South Africa, on Dec. 22, 2020. Siphiwe Sibeko/Reuters

JOHANNESBURG—South Africa has identified a new variant of the novel coronavirus, which authorities believe is driving a surge in COVID-19 infections that could overwhelm its healthcare system.

Several countries have found the new variant in cases linked to South Africa, have banned flights from the nation, disrupting holiday travel and frustrating tour operators.

What Is The New Variant?

The new variant, referred to as 501.V2, was discovered by a network of scientists around South Africa who have been tracking the genetics of the SARS-COV-2 virus.