JOHANNESBURG, (Reuters) –South African scientists discovered a new COVID-19 variation in small quantities and are now trying to figure out its implications.

Scientists revealed that the variant, called B.1.1.529, has an “unusual constellation” of mutations. These are troubling because they may help it to evade immune responses and make it more transmissible.

Diagnostic laboratories have already detected early signs that the variant may be present in eight other provinces of the country, including Gauteng.

The National Institute for Communicable Diseases later announced 2,465 COVID-19 new infections in a daily update of confirmed cases across the country. This is slightly more than the number reported the day before. Although the NICD didn’t attribute this latest resurgence, some top local scientists believe it to be the reason.

South Africa has identified around 100 B.1.1.529 specimens. However, the variant was also found in Botswana, Hong Kong and Botswana. The Hong Kong case is a South African traveller. Scientists believe that B.1.1.529 could account for as many as 90% in Gauteng’s new cases.

The NICD stated in a statement that “even though the data is limited, our specialists are working overtime with all of the established surveillance system to understand the variant and what its potential implications might be.”

South Africa asked for an urgent meeting of the World Health Organization’s (WHO), virus evolution working group, on Friday, to discuss this variant.

Joe Phaahla (Health Minister) said it was premature to know if the government would place tougher restrictions as a response to this variant.

South Africa detected the Beta variant in the last year.

Beta is the only one that is “of concern” according to WHO. This is because it has been shown to be more contagious than other viruses and it can be difficult for vaccines to work against.

C.1.2 was detected earlier in the year by the country, however it is not yet a replacement for the Delta variant. It still represents a very small proportion of DNA sequences done in recent months.