A new COVID-19 variant, PJ.2.1, first detected in Canada in May 2026, is spreading across several countries. A newly identified COVID-19 variant, PJ.2.1, is attracting attention as it spreads across North America, Europe, Australia, New Zealand and parts of Asia, raising questions about its potential. A new COVID-19 variant, PJ.2.1, is spreading across several countries, according to reports citing the World Health Organization (WHO). The global health body has cautioned that symptoms.