'Stealth Omicron' Covid variant warning as expert says pandemic 'not over'
dailyrecord.co.ukAn expert has issued a warning over the pandemic amid the spread of 'Stealth Omicron'.Officially named BA.2, it is a highly contagious sub-variant of Omicron that is more difficult to differentiate from other variants with PCR tests.
The latest Covid variant was confirmed by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA). While cases have fallen significantly since the Omicron wave, infections are rising in people 55 and older.Dr Jenny Harries, chief executive of the UKHSA, warned the pandemic is 'not over' and that we can expect to see Covid circulating at 'high levels'.
Researchers suggest that increasing infections could be due to more mixing since restrictions eased and waning effectiveness of boosters, Hull Live reported. "These data confirm that cases have declined substantially following the peak of the Omicron wave," said Dr Harries."However, the increasing presence of the BA.2 sub-lineage of Omicron and the recent slight increase in infections in those over 55 show that the pandemic is not over and that we can expect to see Covid circulating at high levels."Vaccination remains the best way to protect us all from severe disease and hospitalisation due to Covid-19 infection.
We urge you to come forward for your primary or booster doses straight away if you have not already done so."Professor Paul Elliott, director of Imperial College London's React programme, said it is possible that the figures indicate infections are beginning to rise in England but it is unclear where they will go.Asked whether the increasing numbers of BA.2 could lead to a surge in new cases, Prof Elliott said the data needs to be tracked carefully.Did you know you can keep up to date with the latest news by signing up to our daily newsletter?We send a
Read more on dailyrecord.co.uk