Covid breakthrough as AI system to 'predict' new variants' transmissibility and virulence

In contrast, variants of concern are those that have also demonstrated such an increase in transmissibility, more severe disease presentation, or a reduction in the effectiveness of public health measures against them. To date, the five coronavirus variants to be classified as being "of concern" have been Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Delta and Omicron. An issue with this approach to classification is that identification of a new variant of concern inherently involves a prior period of monitoring the impact of the virus on the populace -- during which time it can be challenging to determine the appropriate public health response. Accordingly, methods to assess the risk posed by new variants in real-time have the potential to be of considerable benefit.