Infectious and communicable diseases specialist, Dr. Montaser Al-Belbisi, Saturday confirmed the emergence of a new mutant in the continent of Europe, called "the hidden Omicron." 

He said “the hidden Omicron” differs from the Omicron, as it does not always appear on a PCR test, and spreads faster. 

Al-Belbisi explained that the infections with the "hidden Omicron" are few, pointing out that receiving two doses of the coronavirus vaccine can control the mutation by 50 percent, or 90 percent with a booster dose. 

Locally, Belbisi called for adherence to preventive measures, such as wearing a mask, and isolating when infected.

According to him, the number of cases per day could soon reach 20,000 if people do not adhere to basic prevenative measures, and, if people do not isolate when infected, 50,000 cases per day.