On Friday, the World Health Organization officially identified a new highly transmissible COVID-19 strain called omicron, which was first discovered in South Africa with a large number of mutations. Those mutations are raising fears that omicron could be more contagious than the Delta variant and that existing vaccines may be less effective against it. In response, the White House has announced the U.S. will restrict travel for travelers from eight African countries starting Monday. NBC’s Raf Sanchez reports for Weekend TODAY.  » Subscribe to TODAY: http://on.today.com/SubscribeToTODAY » Watch the latest from TODAY: http://bit.ly/LatestTODAY About: TODAY brings you the latest headlines and expert tips on money, health and parenting. We wake up every morning to give you and your family all you need to start your day. If it matters to you, it matters to us. We are in the people business. Subscribe to our channel for exclusive TODAY archival footage & our original web series. Connect with TODAY Online! Visit TODAY's Website: http://on.today.com/ReadTODAY Find TODAY on Facebook: http://on.today.com/LikeTODAY Follow TODAY on Twitter: http://on.today.com/FollowTODAY Follow TODAY on Instagram: http://on.today.com/InstaTODAY