Omicron mutation could increase infectivity; EU cases top 1-mn mark

Study says that mutations in the variant can strengthen its affinity for human cells, evade antibodies

Mutations in Omicron can strengthen the affinity of the coronavirus variant for the human cells, which could increase its infectivity and evasion of antibodies, according to researchers.

Meanwhile,  Omicron has taken hold in the European Union, where daily cases of coronavirus exceeded 1 million on Wednesday for the first time since the start of the pandemic. Even though omicron symptoms are largely relatively mild, governments are still worried about pressure on hospitals and broader health services, and have stepped up measures—as well as the language—to force people to get vaccinated.

The scientists from Boston College in the US developed a computer model