According to the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), vaccines were more effective at fighting the Delta variant in the United States than the Omicron variant while comparing the rate of hospitalisations among adults.

The CDC found when the Omicron BA.2 and BA.2.12.1 subvariants were circulating in the country between March and May, hospitalisations increased among all adults with those over 65 hit the hardest, however, the total hospitalisations were much lower when the Delta variant surge was in progress last year. The US health agency found overall effectiveness decreased when the Omicron&nbsp;BA.1 and BA.2 variants began circulating as hospitalisations among adults increased.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/study-shows-experimental-chewing-gum-reduces-omicron-particles-in-saliva-500990">Also Read:&nbsp;Study shows experimental chewing gum reduces Omicron particles in saliva</a>

The CDC found that those who had taken two booster doses performed better than others while fighting the BA.2 variant with the majority of those admitted in hospital suffering from some form of underlying condition.

Watch:&nbsp;Omicron variant driving fresh COVID-19 outbreaks worldwide

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The CDC said unvaccinated adults were three times more likely to be hospitalised. US regulators have now pushed vaccine makers to roll out Omicron-specific boosters next month as the country continues to battle against the virus over two years after it first appeared.

The CDC report said along with the obvious advantage of vaccination and booster shots other pharmaceutical and non-pharmaceutical measures also made&nbsp;a key difference in fighting the virus including &nbsp;Pfizer's antiviral drug Paxlovid, Gilead Sciences' remdesivir and AstraZeneca's Evusheld for immunocompromised people.&nbsp;

(With inputs from Agencies)

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According to the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), vaccines were more effective at fighting the Delta variant in the United States than the Omicron variant while comparing the rate of hospitalisations among adults.

According to the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), vaccines were more effective at fighting the Delta variant in the United States than the Omicron variant while comparing the rate of hospitalisations among adults. The CDC found when the Omicron BA.2 and BA.2.12.1 subvariants were circulating in the country between March and May, hospitalisations increased among all adults with those over 65 hit the hardest, however, the total hospitalisations were much lower when the Delta variant surge was in progress last year. The US health agency found overall effectiveness decreased when the Omicron BA.1 and BA.2 variants began circulating as hospitalisations among adults increased. Also Read: Study shows experimental chewing gum reduces Omicron particles in saliva The CDC found that those who had taken two booster doses performed better than others while fighting the BA.2 variant with the majority of those admitted in hospital suffering from some form of underlying condition. Watch: Omicron variant driving fresh COVID-19 outbreaks worldwide The CDC said unvaccinated adults were three times more likely to be hospitalised. US regulators have now pushed vaccine makers to roll out Omicron-specific boosters next month as the country continues to battle against the virus over two years after it first appeared. The CDC report said along with the obvious advantage of vaccination and booster shots other pharmaceutical and non-pharmaceutical measures also made a key difference in fighting the virus including Pfizer's antiviral drug Paxlovid, Gilead Sciences' remdesivir and AstraZeneca's Evusheld for immunocompromised people. (With inputs from Agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Vaccines were more effective against Delta variant, CDC study finds

From April 18, most of the COVID-19 restrictions will be lifted, the South Korean government announced on Friday as the Omicron variant showed signs of waning in the country.

However, the government said that mask mandates are still compulsory due to the unpredictable nature of the virus.

“Wearing masks is still a very important means to protect ourselves,” Prime Minister Kim Boo-kyum told a coronavirus response meeting, according to Reuters.

“It is inevitable to maintain the indoor mask mandate for a considerable period of time,” he added.

Officials will reassess whether to lift the outdoor mask requirement in two weeks, the PM said.

The government has also scrapped the midnight curfew on restaurants and other businesses, along with the cap on private gatherings which was set at 10.

From reporting 620,000 infections per day in mid-March to below 100,000 on Thursday, South Korea appears to have weathered its Covid peak, largely driven by the Omicron variant.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ba2-covid-variant-driving-new-infections-in-some-parts-of-us-471264">BA.2 Covid variant driving new infections in some parts of US</a>

Now that the cases have come down significantly, the government has ordered local health centres and testing stations to no longer provide rapid antigen tests, but only polymerase chain reaction tests to high-risk groups, starting Monday, the Korea Herald newspaper reported.

More than 86 per cent of the South Korean population of 51 million has been fully vaccinated, with the majority also receiving a booster shot.

South Korea is rolling out second boosters to vulnerable populations.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/std-cases-in-us-including-syphilis-rose-during-pandemic-cdc-report-470645" hreflang="en">Cases of syphilis, other STDs rose in US during Covid pandemic: CDC report</a>

Around 20,000 people in South Korea have died from the coronavirus — a 0.13 per cent fatality rate, which is one of the world's lowest, reports AFP.

(With inputs from agencies)

From April 18, most of the COVID-19 restrictions will be lifted, the South Korean government announced on Friday as the Omicron variant showed signs of waning in the country.

From April 18, most of the COVID-19 restrictions will be lifted, the South Korean government announced on Friday as the Omicron variant showed signs of waning in the country. However, the government said that mask mandates are still compulsory due to the unpredictable nature of the virus. “Wearing masks is still a very important means to protect ourselves,” Prime Minister Kim Boo-kyum told a coronavirus response meeting, according to Reuters. “It is inevitable to maintain the indoor mask mandate for a considerable period of time,” he added. Officials will reassess whether to lift the outdoor mask requirement in two weeks, the PM said. The government has also scrapped the midnight curfew on restaurants and other businesses, along with the cap on private gatherings which was set at 10. From reporting 620,000 infections per day in mid-March to below 100,000 on Thursday, South Korea appears to have weathered its Covid peak, largely driven by the Omicron variant. Also read | BA.2 Covid variant driving new infections in some parts of US Now that the cases have come down significantly, the government has ordered local health centres and testing stations to no longer provide rapid antigen tests, but only polymerase chain reaction tests to high-risk groups, starting Monday, the Korea Herald newspaper reported. More than 86 per cent of the South Korean population of 51 million has been fully vaccinated, with the majority also receiving a booster shot. South Korea is rolling out second boosters to vulnerable populations. Also read | Cases of syphilis, other STDs rose in US during Covid pandemic: CDC report Around 20,000 people in South Korea have died from the coronavirus — a 0.13 per cent fatality rate, which is one of the world's lowest, reports AFP. (With inputs from agencies)

South Korea lifts most of Covid restrictions citing drop in daily cases

Some parts of the United States have been seeing a fresh spike in COVID-19 infections again, causing concern among the officials.

According to local media reports, cases in the northeastern part of the US is ticking up due to the BA.2 Omicron subvariant.

It has recorded at least 126 new infections per 100,000 people last week, doubling the rate compared to a month ago, The Washington Post reports.

Not only in the northeastern parts, the BA.2 subvariant, which is 30 per cent more transmissible than the BA.1, has been responsible for new cases across the country last week, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

At least 27 states are seeing an uptick in Covid cases.

The federal data shows that the new infections in the northeast were more than twice as high as in the west, midwest and southeast last week, according to federal data.

The BA.2 Omicron subvariant now makes up more than 85 per cent of new COVID-19 cases in the US, CDC data showed.

Experts opined that the relaxations of Covid rules, including the mask mandates, may drive up the cases further and can lead to another surge.

On Wednesday, the Biden administration extended the mask mandate for public transportation for another two weeks on Wednesday.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-fda-approves-emergency-use-of-first-covid-test-that-uses-breath-samples-471091">US FDA approves emergency use of first Covid test that uses breath samples</a>

“Because of the strategy we executed over the past year on vaccinations, testing, treatments, and more, we’re now in a new moment in this pandemic,” Biden had said.

“It does not mean that COVID-19 is over. It means that COVID-19 no longer controls our lives.”

Several universities across the US, including Columbia, American, Georgetown, George Washington, Johns Hopkins and Rice, are also returning to mask mandates on campus.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/std-cases-in-us-including-syphilis-rose-during-pandemic-cdc-report-470645" hreflang="en">Cases of syphilis, other STDs rose in US during Covid pandemic: CDC report</a>

The CDC said that it was extending the mask order, which was set to expire on April 18, till May 3 to allow more time for them to study the impact of the BA.2 subvariant in the country.

Watch |&nbsp;US:&nbsp;People aged 50 &amp; above to get a booster dose to prepare for BA.2 variant

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(With inputs from agencies)

Some parts of the United States have been seeing a fresh spike in COVID-19 infections again, causing concern among the officials. According to local media reports, cases in the northeastern part of the US is ticking up due to the BA.

Some parts of the United States have been seeing a fresh spike in COVID-19 infections again, causing concern among the officials. According to local media reports, cases in the northeastern part of the US is ticking up due to the BA.2 Omicron subvariant. It has recorded at least 126 new infections per 100,000 people last week, doubling the rate compared to a month ago, The Washington Post reports. Not only in the northeastern parts, the BA.2 subvariant, which is 30 per cent more transmissible than the BA.1, has been responsible for new cases across the country last week, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). At least 27 states are seeing an uptick in Covid cases. The federal data shows that the new infections in the northeast were more than twice as high as in the west, midwest and southeast last week, according to federal data. The BA.2 Omicron subvariant now makes up more than 85 per cent of new COVID-19 cases in the US, CDC data showed. Experts opined that the relaxations of Covid rules, including the mask mandates, may drive up the cases further and can lead to another surge. On Wednesday, the Biden administration extended the mask mandate for public transportation for another two weeks on Wednesday. Also read | US FDA approves emergency use of first Covid test that uses breath samples “Because of the strategy we executed over the past year on vaccinations, testing, treatments, and more, we’re now in a new moment in this pandemic,” Biden had said. “It does not mean that COVID-19 is over. It means that COVID-19 no longer controls our lives.” Several universities across the US, including Columbia, American, Georgetown, George Washington, Johns Hopkins and Rice, are also returning to mask mandates on campus. Also read | Cases of syphilis, other STDs rose in US during Covid pandemic: CDC report The CDC said that it was extending the mask order, which was set to expire on April 18, till May 3 to allow more time for them to study the impact of the BA.2 subvariant in the country. Watch | US: People aged 50 & above to get a booster dose to prepare for BA.2 variant (With inputs from agencies)

BA.2 Covid variant driving new infections in some parts of US

Amid growing concerns over the presence of coronavirus variants, the World Health Organisation(WHO) said it is monitoring the BA.4 and BA.5 lineages&nbsp;which are the "sister variants" of the BA.1 Omicron variant.

The UN health body has been tracking the BA.1 and BA.2 Omicron variants including the BA.1.1 and BA.3. WHO said the "BA.2 now represents nearly 94 per cent of all sequenced cases".

What are BA.4 and BA.5 "sister variants"?

UK Health Security Agency(UKHSA) identified BA.4 and BA.5 variants&nbsp;belonging to the&nbsp;Omicron lineage.&nbsp;The agency said work is underway to "precisely define" the phylogeny of the new variants.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/omicron-variant-originated-from-mice-say-chinese-scientists-is-the-narrative-changing-continuously-450343">Also Read:&nbsp;Omicron variant originated from mice, say Chinese scientists</a>

GISAID on BA.4

UKHSA informed that the earliest BA.4 sample within GISAID was from South Africa which reported the first case in January this year.

Watch: PM Johnson may introduce lockdowns in case of harmful variants

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Countries with BA.4 genomes

GISAID informed the BA.4 genomes&nbsp;were found in South Africa with 41 genome cases, Denmark with three genomes, Botswana with two&nbsp;and England and Scotland reporting one case each respectively.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-19-are-these-new-symptoms-of-omicron-variant-experts-weigh-in-441953">Also Read:&nbsp;COVID-19: Are these new symptoms of Omicron variant? Experts weigh in</a>

"Although the number of total genomes is small, the apparent geographic spread suggests that the variant 
is transmitting successfully," UKHSA said.

BA.5 cases in South Africa

According to the UKHSA, BA.5 shares the same mutations as BA.4, however, it does have other features as well. The agency said currently 27 sequences of BA.5 have been found all from South Africa tracked since February.

(With inputs from Agencies) 
&nbsp;

Amid growing concerns over the presence of coronavirus variants, the World Health Organisation(WHO) said it is monitoring the BA.4 and BA.5 lineages which are the "sister variants" of the BA.

Amid growing concerns over the presence of coronavirus variants, the World Health Organisation(WHO) said it is monitoring the BA.4 and BA.5 lineages which are the "sister variants" of the BA.1 Omicron variant. The UN health body has been tracking the BA.1 and BA.2 Omicron variants including the BA.1.1 and BA.3. WHO said the "BA.2 now represents nearly 94 per cent of all sequenced cases". What are BA.4 and BA.5 "sister variants"? UK Health Security Agency(UKHSA) identified BA.4 and BA.5 variants belonging to the Omicron lineage. The agency said work is underway to "precisely define" the phylogeny of the new variants. Also Read: Omicron variant originated from mice, say Chinese scientists GISAID on BA.4 UKHSA informed that the earliest BA.4 sample within GISAID was from South Africa which reported the first case in January this year. Watch: PM Johnson may introduce lockdowns in case of harmful variants Countries with BA.4 genomes GISAID informed the BA.4 genomes were found in South Africa with 41 genome cases, Denmark with three genomes, Botswana with two and England and Scotland reporting one case each respectively. Also Read: COVID-19: Are these new symptoms of Omicron variant? Experts weigh in "Although the number of total genomes is small, the apparent geographic spread suggests that the variant is transmitting successfully," UKHSA said. BA.5 cases in South Africa According to the UKHSA, BA.5 shares the same mutations as BA.4, however, it does have other features as well. The agency said currently 27 sequences of BA.5 have been found all from South Africa tracked since February. (With inputs from Agencies)

WHO tracks two new Omicron subvariants: What are BA.4 and BA.5 strains?

Amid rising COVID-19 cases in the United States, Philadelphia city authorities announced they will reinstate indoor mask policy.

The mask mandate will be enforced by health officials from April 18 amid 50 per cent increase in coronavirus cases.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-tracks-two-new-omicron-subvariants-what-are-ba4-and-ba5-strains-470395">Also Read:&nbsp;WHO tracks two new Omicron subvariants: What are BA.4 and BA.5 strains?</a>

Reports say the cases have surged due to the Omicron BA.2 subvariant which has become the dominant strain in the US.

CDC had earlier dropped the mask mandates as most cities began pulling out coronavirus curbs in February and March. Philadelphia had followed suit and dropped mask requirement in early March.

Health commissioner Dr. Cheryl Bettigole informed that mask requirements would allow restaurants to stay open.

Watch:&nbsp;How likely is Coronavirus reinfection?

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Coronavirus cases have been on the rise in New York City which has been reporting nearly 1,800 virus cases per day which is a huge jump compared to last month.&nbsp;New York has witnessed a surge in cases due to the &nbsp;BA.2 Omicron sub-variant.

Several areas in the US including Monroe, Ontario and Wayne Counties reported a surge in COVID-19 cases including Livingston and Orleans.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uks-nhs-adds-nine-new-coronavirus-symptoms-to-its-list-check-them-out-468335">Also Read:&nbsp;&nbsp;UK's NHS adds nine new coronavirus symptoms to its list. Check them out!</a>

Reports claim hospitalisations in at least 19 states have been rising in the US with increasing number of virus patients in intensive care units in at least 16 states.

New York has witnessed a surge in cases due to the &nbsp;BA.2 Omicron sub-variant.

&nbsp;Earlier, US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi had tested positive for the virus as cases continued to surge. There were other high profile politicians who had tested positive including Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser, Republican Susan Collins and Democrat Raphael Warnock.

(With inputs from Agencies)

Amid rising COVID-19 cases in the United States, Philadelphia city authorities announced they will reinstate indoor mask policy. The mask mandate will be enforced by health officials from April 18 amid 50 per cent increase in coronavirus cases.

Amid rising COVID-19 cases in the United States, Philadelphia city authorities announced they will reinstate indoor mask policy. The mask mandate will be enforced by health officials from April 18 amid 50 per cent increase in coronavirus cases. Also Read: WHO tracks two new Omicron subvariants: What are BA.4 and BA.5 strains? Reports say the cases have surged due to the Omicron BA.2 subvariant which has become the dominant strain in the US. CDC had earlier dropped the mask mandates as most cities began pulling out coronavirus curbs in February and March. Philadelphia had followed suit and dropped mask requirement in early March. Health commissioner Dr. Cheryl Bettigole informed that mask requirements would allow restaurants to stay open. Watch: How likely is Coronavirus reinfection? Coronavirus cases have been on the rise in New York City which has been reporting nearly 1,800 virus cases per day which is a huge jump compared to last month. New York has witnessed a surge in cases due to the BA.2 Omicron sub-variant. Several areas in the US including Monroe, Ontario and Wayne Counties reported a surge in COVID-19 cases including Livingston and Orleans. Also Read: UK's NHS adds nine new coronavirus symptoms to its list. Check them out! Reports claim hospitalisations in at least 19 states have been rising in the US with increasing number of virus patients in intensive care units in at least 16 states. New York has witnessed a surge in cases due to the BA.2 Omicron sub-variant. Earlier, US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi had tested positive for the virus as cases continued to surge. There were other high profile politicians who had tested positive including Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser, Republican Susan Collins and Democrat Raphael Warnock. (With inputs from Agencies)

Amid rise in COVID-19 cases in US, Philadelphia reinstates indoor mask policy

AstraZeneca's COVID-19 antibody combination Evusheld has the properties to neutralise Coronavirus variants of Omicron, including the highly-contagious BA.2 sub-variant, the pharmaceutical company said after conducting an independent lab study.

The study done by the Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis showed that the therapy reduced the amount of virus detected in samples of all tested Omicron subvariants in mice lungs, the London-listed drugmaker said in a statement on Monday.

The study has yet to be peer reviewed, according to Reuters.

Evusheld, was tested against the BA.1, BA.1.1, and BA.2 subvariants of Omicron and it was also shown to limit inflammation in the lungs.

The drug is a combination of two long-acting antibodies derived from B-cells donated by patients recovering from COVID-19.

"These important data show that Evusheld reduced viral burden and limited inflammation caused by Omicron," AstraZeneca Vice President John Perez in a statement.

"The findings further support Evusheld as a potential important option to help protect vulnerable patients such as the immunocompromised who could face poor outcomes if they were to become infected with COVID-19."

The study conducted on mice demonstrated Evusheld significantly reduced the viral burden and limited inflammation in the lungs for all three sub-variants, the company said.

The antibody cocktail is approved in many European countries and the United States, which gave the nod in December.

The World Health Organisation said last week figures showing a global rise in COVID-19 cases could herald a much bigger problem, as the Omicron and BA.2 variants spread amid the easing of restrictions and testing.

“WHO will continue to closely monitor the BA.2 lineage as part of Omicron and requests countries to continue to be vigilant, to monitor and report sequences, as well as to conduct independent and comparative analyses of the different Omicron sublineages,” it said in a statement.

(With inputs from agencies)

AstraZeneca's COVID-19 antibody combination Evusheld has the properties to neutralise Coronavirus variants of Omicron, including the highly-contagious BA.2 sub-variant, the pharmaceutical company said after conducting an independent lab study.

AstraZeneca's COVID-19 antibody combination Evusheld has the properties to neutralise Coronavirus variants of Omicron, including the highly-contagious BA.2 sub-variant, the pharmaceutical company said after conducting an independent lab study. The study done by the Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis showed that the therapy reduced the amount of virus detected in samples of all tested Omicron subvariants in mice lungs, the London-listed drugmaker said in a statement on Monday. The study has yet to be peer reviewed, according to Reuters. Evusheld, was tested against the BA.1, BA.1.1, and BA.2 subvariants of Omicron and it was also shown to limit inflammation in the lungs. The drug is a combination of two long-acting antibodies derived from B-cells donated by patients recovering from COVID-19. "These important data show that Evusheld reduced viral burden and limited inflammation caused by Omicron," AstraZeneca Vice President John Perez in a statement. "The findings further support Evusheld as a potential important option to help protect vulnerable patients such as the immunocompromised who could face poor outcomes if they were to become infected with COVID-19." The study conducted on mice demonstrated Evusheld significantly reduced the viral burden and limited inflammation in the lungs for all three sub-variants, the company said. The antibody cocktail is approved in many European countries and the United States, which gave the nod in December. The World Health Organisation said last week figures showing a global rise in COVID-19 cases could herald a much bigger problem, as the Omicron and BA.2 variants spread amid the easing of restrictions and testing. “WHO will continue to closely monitor the BA.2 lineage as part of Omicron and requests countries to continue to be vigilant, to monitor and report sequences, as well as to conduct independent and comparative analyses of the different Omicron sublineages,” it said in a statement. (With inputs from agencies)

AstraZeneca claims its COVID-19 antibody concoction can neutralise BA.2 Omicron sub-variant

According to a study, the subvariant of Omicron, BA.2, may&nbsp;cause severe disease and can thwart some treatments.

The Omicron variant was first reported in South Africa last November since then it has spread rapidly worldwide to become the dominant variant in several countries outpacing Delta.&nbsp;

The BA.2 lineage has been&nbsp;detected in Denmark, UK,&nbsp;Bangladesh, Nepal, Pakistan, China, Brunei and other countries.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/the-worst-is-yet-to-come-study-finds-that-omicron-is-10-times-better-than-delta-at-evading-covid-vaccines-454212">Also Read:&nbsp;Study finds that Omicron is 10 times better than Delta at evading Covid vaccines</a>

The Omicron variants has been classified into three main lineages - BA.1, BA.2 and BA.3. The BA.2 sub-lineage is also called the "stealth Omicron" as scientists learn more about it.

The latest study found that BA.2 is&nbsp;"resistant to two therapeutic monoclonal antibodies - casirivimab and imdevimab".

It said the new subvariant was "35-fold more resistant to another therapeutic antibody, sotrovimabto some treatments including sotrovimab."

The study said it can cause serious illnesses like Delta and has the ability to escape immunity created by vaccines. The WHO had said earlier that "there has been a clear rise in cases involving BA.2" which it said, "counts several different mutations from the original -&nbsp;including on the spike protein that dots the virus's surface and is key to entering human cells."

The BA.2 subvariant has now spread to at least 74 countries and in nearly all&nbsp;states in the United States.

The WHO had said that BA.2 is more transmissible than BA.1 and the cases of the new subvariant may increase worldwide. In Denmark, the BA.2 subvariant has become the dominant variant.

(With inputs from Agencies)

According to a study, the subvariant of Omicron, BA.2, may cause severe disease and can thwart some treatments. The Omicron variant was first reported in South Africa last November since then it has spread rapidly worldwide to become the dominant variant in several countries outpacing Delta.

According to a study, the subvariant of Omicron, BA.2, may cause severe disease and can thwart some treatments. The Omicron variant was first reported in South Africa last November since then it has spread rapidly worldwide to become the dominant variant in several countries outpacing Delta. The BA.2 lineage has been detected in Denmark, UK, Bangladesh, Nepal, Pakistan, China, Brunei and other countries. Also Read: Study finds that Omicron is 10 times better than Delta at evading Covid vaccines The Omicron variants has been classified into three main lineages - BA.1, BA.2 and BA.3. The BA.2 sub-lineage is also called the "stealth Omicron" as scientists learn more about it. The latest study found that BA.2 is "resistant to two therapeutic monoclonal antibodies - casirivimab and imdevimab". It said the new subvariant was "35-fold more resistant to another therapeutic antibody, sotrovimabto some treatments including sotrovimab." The study said it can cause serious illnesses like Delta and has the ability to escape immunity created by vaccines. The WHO had said earlier that "there has been a clear rise in cases involving BA.2" which it said, "counts several different mutations from the original - including on the spike protein that dots the virus's surface and is key to entering human cells." The BA.2 subvariant has now spread to at least 74 countries and in nearly all states in the United States. The WHO had said that BA.2 is more transmissible than BA.1 and the cases of the new subvariant may increase worldwide. In Denmark, the BA.2 subvariant has become the dominant variant. (With inputs from Agencies)

Omicron's subvariant BA.2 may cause severe disease: Study

As the world continues to battle against the Omicron wave, the World Health Organisation(WHO) warned that sub-variants have been on the rise worldwide.

Reports say the BA.2 variant dubbed the "stealth Omicron" has been on the rise in UK and Denmark.

What is the BA.2 variant?

Amid the surge in Omicron cases, British health officials have detected growing cases of BA.2 variant. According to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) at least 400 cases have been detected in the UK.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/omicron-survives-over-21-hours-on-skin-and-more-than-8-days-on-plastic-study-447942">Also Read |&nbsp;Omicron survives over 21 hours on skin and more than 8 days on plastic: Study</a>

Omicron has three sub-strains - BA.1, BA.2 and BA.3.

The UK health agency has classified BA.2 sub-lineage as a variant under investigation (VUI) amid sharp rise in new cases of the variant.

Virologist Tom Peacock in a tweet said "virology labs worldwide are currently scrambling to assess BA.2" while asserting that there is no strong data available on it. "Even with slightly higher transmissibility this absolutely is not a Delta," he added.

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Several countries are near, or even past the peak of BA.1 waves. I would be very surprised if BA.2 caused a second wave at this point. Even with slightly higher transmissibility this absolutely is not a Delta -&gt; Omicron change and instead is likely to be slower and more subtle.
— Tom Peacock (@PeacockFlu) <a href="https://twitter.com/PeacockFlu/status/1483768677883392002?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 19, 2022</a></blockquote>
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"Assuming BA.2 is antigenically similar but more transmissible it is likely to exacerbate existing Omicron waves," Peacock added.

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Update 1: <a href="https://twitter.com/UKHSA?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@UKHSA</a> has designated BA.2 a VUI (similar to WHO catagory VOI), separate from BA.1 due to the continuing growth in the UK.<a href="https://t.co/bw9gEquALa">https://t.co/bw9gEquALa</a>
— Tom Peacock (@PeacockFlu) <a href="https://twitter.com/PeacockFlu/status/1484496201798103045?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 21, 2022</a></blockquote>
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The BA.2 has reportedly spread to 40 countries including Sweden, Germany, Norway, France, Singapore, the Philippines and India. &nbsp;

What is WHO's view on BA.2 variant?

The UN health body hasn't designated the new Omicron sub-variant as a "variant of concern" although it said it is monitoring the situation closely as cases rise across the world.

WHO said the overall risk involving&nbsp;Omicron remains high amid record number of cases worldwide with the new variant accounting for 89 &nbsp;per cent cases and&nbsp;Delta comprising of 10.7 COVID-19 cases.

(With inputs from Agencies)

As the world continues to battle against the Omicron wave, the World Health Organisation(WHO) warned that sub-variants have been on the rise worldwide. Reports say the BA.

As the world continues to battle against the Omicron wave, the World Health Organisation(WHO) warned that sub-variants have been on the rise worldwide. Reports say the BA.2 variant dubbed the "stealth Omicron" has been on the rise in UK and Denmark. What is the BA.2 variant? Amid the surge in Omicron cases, British health officials have detected growing cases of BA.2 variant. According to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) at least 400 cases have been detected in the UK. Also Read | Omicron survives over 21 hours on skin and more than 8 days on plastic: Study Omicron has three sub-strains - BA.1, BA.2 and BA.3. The UK health agency has classified BA.2 sub-lineage as a variant under investigation (VUI) amid sharp rise in new cases of the variant. Virologist Tom Peacock in a tweet said "virology labs worldwide are currently scrambling to assess BA.2" while asserting that there is no strong data available on it. "Even with slightly higher transmissibility this absolutely is not a Delta," he added. Several countries are near, or even past the peak of BA.1 waves. I would be very surprised if BA.2 caused a second wave at this point. Even with slightly higher transmissibility this absolutely is not a Delta -> Omicron change and instead is likely to be slower and more subtle. — Tom Peacock (@PeacockFlu) January 19, 2022 × "Assuming BA.2 is antigenically similar but more transmissible it is likely to exacerbate existing Omicron waves," Peacock added. Update 1: @UKHSA has designated BA.2 a VUI (similar to WHO catagory VOI), separate from BA.1 due to the continuing growth in the UK.https://t.co/bw9gEquALa — Tom Peacock (@PeacockFlu) January 21, 2022 × The BA.2 has reportedly spread to 40 countries including Sweden, Germany, Norway, France, Singapore, the Philippines and India. What is WHO's view on BA.2 variant? The UN health body hasn't designated the new Omicron sub-variant as a "variant of concern" although it said it is monitoring the situation closely as cases rise across the world. WHO said the overall risk involving Omicron remains high amid record number of cases worldwide with the new variant accounting for 89 per cent cases and Delta comprising of 10.7 COVID-19 cases. (With inputs from Agencies)

Explainer: What is the new 'stealth Omicron'?