While the Omicron surge is beginning to decline in the U.S., it's cousins have arrived. BA.1 and BA. 2 are sublineages of Omicron. the World Health Organization announced. BA. 2 as a variant of concern. Appearing to spread about 32% faster than its predecessor, BA.2 is a new more aggressive version of the virus that could dampen hopes of returning back to normal soon. They also considered real-world data on clinical severity from South Africa, the United Kingdom, and Denmark, where immunity from vaccination or natural infection is high.
Changes in the on-going pandemic reflect the importance of personal responsibility in lessening the spread.
BA.2 has now been found from coast to coast and accounts for an estimated 3.9% all new infections nationally, according to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
States relaxing mask wearing mandates may take this new finding into consideration.
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