Scientists in Great Britain have raised concerns that the world could face a new wave of coronavirus infections, most likely more severe, after the emergence of a new variant called BA.6.
Other researchers say it is still too early to panic and argue that pandemic-era restrictions will not be needed, while the fact remains that new cases have increased significantly over the past week.
Currently, the most circulating variant of Covid is Eris, which accounts for one in seven new cases in Britain. Virus trackers say it has already been spotted in Denmark and Israel, suggesting it has begun to circulate.
Experts have speculated that the reason for the spread was the release of the Barbie and Oppenheimer films in cinemas, which gathered thousands of people in theaters.
