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Umair Irfan

Umair Irfan

Former correspondent

    Latest articles by Umair Irfan

    Science
    How to recognize Covid-19 symptoms from the omicron variantHow to recognize Covid-19 symptoms from the omicron variant
    Science

    A mild Covid-19 case from omicron might feel like a cold. You should still take it seriously.

    By Umair Irfan
    Explainers
    What makes the omicron variant so strange and surprisingWhat makes the omicron variant so strange and surprising
    Explainers

    The mutations in omicron hint at what’s to come in the Covid-19 pandemic.

    By Umair Irfan
    Explainers
    Why omicron could bring the deadliest phase in the pandemic yetWhy omicron could bring the deadliest phase in the pandemic yet
    Explainers

    The worst-case scenario with the new variant could be 20 percent more US Covid-19 deaths than last winter.

    By Umair Irfan
    Explainers
    The good and bad news about the omicron variantThe good and bad news about the omicron variant
    Explainers

    Omicron may be less risky for each of us — but more risky for all of us.

    By Umair Irfan
    Explainers
    When should I get a Covid-19 test? Here’s a simple guide.When should I get a Covid-19 test? Here’s a simple guide.
    Explainers

    Vaccinated and confused about whether to get tested? We asked four experts for help.

    By Umair Irfan
    Explainers
    To catch variants like omicron, the world needs to sequence way more virus genesTo catch variants like omicron, the world needs to sequence way more virus genes
    Explainers

    Surveillance is dangerously inadequate in much of the world.

    By Umair Irfan
    What the world did and didn’t accomplish at COP26
    Explainers

    The biggest climate conference in history was a tiny step toward solving a gargantuan problem.

    By Umair Irfan
    Explainers
    Rich countries still don’t want to pay their climate change tabRich countries still don’t want to pay their climate change tab
    Explainers

    More money is on the table at the Glasgow climate conference, but it’s not enough.

    By Umair Irfan
    Explainers
    5 things to know about the big climate conference in Glasgow5 things to know about the big climate conference in Glasgow
    Explainers

    Why the last week of the COP26 climate change negotiations is so critical.

    By Umair Irfan
    Explainers
    Why are rich countries still monopolizing Covid-19 vaccines?Why are rich countries still monopolizing Covid-19 vaccines?
    Explainers

    Half the world has gotten a Covid-19 shot. Yet the vaccination rate in some countries is less than 10 percent.

    By Umair Irfan