Recently Identified, Highly Contagious Omicron Subvariants
New York State Department of Health
https://www.health.ny.gov/press/releases/2022/2022-04-13_covid-19.htm
https://www.nytimes.com/live/2022/04/14/world/covid-19-mandates-cases-vaccine
Emergence of Recently Identified, Highly Contagious Omicron Subvariants in New York
Wadsworth Center Identifies Two Sub-lineages of BA.2
BA.2.12
23% growth advantage above the original BA.2 variant.
BA.2.12.1
27% growth advantage above the original BA.2 variant.
Potentially Contributing to Increased Transmission Reported in Central New York and Surrounding Regions
BA.2, now 80.6% of infections in New York
During March
BA.2.12 and BA.2.12.1 rose to 70% prevalence in Central New York
Data for April
Levels in Central New York are now above 90%
At this time, there is no evidence of increased disease severity by these subvariants
State Health Commissioner Dr. Mary T. Bassett
We are alerting the public to two Omicron subvariants, newly emerged and rapidly spreading in upstate New York, so New Yorkers can act swiftly
get fully vaccinated and boosted,
test following exposure, symptoms, or travel,
consider wearing a mask in public indoor spaces,
consult with your healthcare provider about treatment if you test positive.
Also
If COVID-positive, stay home and consult with a healthcare provider about treatments.
Improve air ventilation or gather outdoors
New Yorkers who are not vaccinated or up to date with vaccinations are at increased risk of developing severe disease.
Kirsten St. George, NY virologist
BA.2.12 and BA.2.12.1
40 other countries
30 states across the United States
NY city
Cases, + 2,104 ( 7 day average)
Up 60% (past 14 days)
Deaths, down 9% (past 14 days)
US
Cases, + 22%
Deaths, down 27%
Hospitalized, down 13%
Source