Omicron Sub-Variant BA.2 Found In 57 Countries, Could Be More Infectious: WHO

A new sub-variant of the highly contagious Omicron coronavirus strain has been detected in 57 countries.

Omicron Variant | Getty

New Delhi: A new sub-variant of the highly contagious Omicron coronavirus strain has been detected in 57 countries. The new variant can be more infectious than the original version of the virus, said World Health Organization (WHO) chief Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said on Tuesday.

The new Omicron sub-variant BA.2 has been displacing its predecessor BA.1 Though, BA.1 and BA.1.1 still account for over 96 percent of all the Omicron infections across the world, there has been a rise in cases pertaining to the new sub-variant, believes WHO.

"BA.2- designated sequences have been submitted to GISAID from 57 countries to date," WHO said. It also said that the sub-variant accounted for over half of all Omicron sequences gathered in some countries.

However, the health agency admitted that not much is known about the difference between the sub-variants (BA.1 and BA.2). It said that more research is required to know its characteristics, including transmissibility and its capability of dodging immune protections.

"It’s premature for any country either to surrender, or to declare victory. This virus is dangerous, and it continues to evolve before our very eyes. WHO is currently tracking four sub-lineages of the Omicron variant of concern, including BA.2"-@DrTedros #COVID19

— World Health Organization (WHO) (@WHO) February 1, 2022

Omicron compared to the previous Delta Variant is less dangerous but highly contagious.

Omicron Sub-Variant BA.2: Everything You Need To Know About The 'Stealth Omicron' Outpacing Other Sub-Strains

Meanwhile, 1,61,386 new COVID-19 cases have been reported in the country on Tuesday in the last 24 hours. With this, the total number of Covid cases stands at 4,16,30,885. 

Covid positivity rate dropped to 9.26 percent from 11.6 percent, yesterday, according to the health ministry data. The active caseload currently stands at 16.21 lakh cases.

In the last 24 hours, 17,42,793 crore tests have been conducted across the country in last 24 hours. And in total 73.24 crore tests have been done.

According to the Union Health Ministry, 167.29 crore vaccine doses have been administered to people in the country so far.