A South Africa preprint study found that the omicron variant may not be prevented by having had previous COVID-19 infections.

Axar.az reports that the studies, which have not been peer-reviewed, find that the omicron variant spreads twice as quickly as the delta variant and reinfection is three times more likely with the new variant than others.

The study did not find whether omicron is susceptible to those who are vaccinated against COVID-19, or how prior infections may reduce the severity of its infection.

The omicron variant has been detected in at least 10 states, shortly after it was first discovered in southern Africa.

Among the states omicron has been found are Maryland, Utah, Missouri, Pennsylvania, New York, California, Colorado, Minnesota, Nebraska, and Hawaii.