Reports of different variants of the coronavirus have started to surface around the world. A new variant has been detected in the United Kingdom and scientists are keeping a close watch on it as it shows similarities to the South African variant.

Philanthropist and billionaire Bill Gates has stated that a third shot of the vaccine may be the solution to protecting against more contagious strains of the coronavirus, such as the South African and Brazilian variants. Gates is funding studies in South Africa to determine the different vaccines’ ability to combat the new variant. Dr. Scott Gottlieb, former head of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, expects that boosters may have to be administered in the fall to supplement vaccines that are currently being distributed in the U.S.

A team of international and Chinese researchers has determined that the coronavirus first appeared in humans after making the jump from animals. This statement has been reinforced to eliminate doubts raised by an alternative theory that the virus was leaked from a Chinese laboratory. World Health Organization experts recently visited Wuhan and collaborated with local researchers, following tremendous global pressure to understand the early days of the pandemic. Peter Embarek, leader of the WHO mission, took the opportunity to quash the controversial theory which was widely circulated by former U.S. President Donald Trump and his administration.

Scientists have also found similar viruses in bats that have spread across a wide expanse of land in Asia. After finding a similar virus in bats located in a wildlife sanctuary in Thailand, scientists are calling for a closer study of animals across the region.

The Feb. 18 Return To Campus Memo reminded NYU Abu Dhabi community members that second doses for the vaccine are now available at the A6 Building. Prior registration through this link is necessary.

A Public Health Townhall will take place on Feb. 22 from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Community members can use this link to attend the Townhall, and questions can be submitted here.

Two new cases of Covid-19 have been reported on campus and the affected individuals are now in isolation.