The CDC stated late Friday that no U.S. case of the new omicron Covid variety has been reported. It refers to a variant of the virus which is highly mutated and classified as a “variant or concern” by World Health Organization.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention stated that “no cases of this variant” have been reported in the United States.

The CDC monitors variants continuously and the U.S. version surveillance system has consistently detected new variants within this country. It stated that Omicron will be quickly identified if it appears in the U.S.

The newly identified strain — referred to as lineage B.1.1.529 — was first detected in South Africa and raised concerns due to the rapid rise in the number of coronavirus cases in the country’s Gauteng province.

Covid strains are only considered to be variants of concern by the UN health agency if they are more transmittable, more virulent, or more adept at evading vaccinations and therapies.

According to the World Health Organization, “This variant is characterized by a number of genetic mutations that are potentially dangerous.” Preliminary evidence indicates that this variant is more likely to reinfect than other. [variants of concern]. It appears that this variant is increasing in South Africa in all the provinces.

Friday, the U.S. imposed travel restrictions for non-U.S. citizens from South Africa and seven other countries. According to officials from the Biden Administration, these restrictions will be in effect starting Monday and they are part of an international effort to stop the spread of Omicron.

Botswana was also included as a ban country: Lesotho (Botswana), Botswana Eswatini), Lesotho (Lesotho), Malawi, Mozambique Namibia, Zimbabwe and Namibia.

It was not clear how long these restrictions would remain in effect.

— CNBC’s Christina Wilkie contributed to this report.