South African scientists have detected a new coronavirus variant with multiple mutations but are yet to establish whether it is more contagious or able to overcome the immunity provided by vaccines or prior infection, The National Institute for Communicable Diseases said on Monday. 

The new variant, known as C.1.2, was first detected in May and has now spread to most South African provinces and seven other countries in Africa, Europe, Asia and Oceania, according to a research which is yet to be peer-reviewed.