Author: Editor

A new omicron variant (BA.2) resembles the original lineage but differs in many ways, especially because it is indistinguishable from other variants using standard PCR techniques earning it’s title as the ‘stealth variant’. So far 7 cases have been identified from South Africa, Australia and Canada. Although it is too early to comment on it’s behavior, BA.2 is genetically different enough for it to have some potentially unique features. Current PCR tests are still able to detect the new variant, and experts do not see a reason for concern yet. 

Find out more here. 

The United Kingdom Health Security Agency (UKHSA) reports that a small study that recruited 581 participants with confirmed Omicron infection may indicate that this new variant is expected to be the dominant one by mid-December. Additionally, the 2-dose regiment with current vaccines do not provide adequate protection against symptomatic infection; Oxford/AstraZeneca may offer less than 10% protection, whereas the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine offers approximately 40%. With the booster, protection increases to 70-75% against symptomatic infection, influencing the UK government’s decision to urge eligible people over 40 to come forward and get the booster. Experts report that if Omicron is as virulent as Delta, it may have the capacity to overwhelm the NHS.

Read the news article here, UKHSA updates here, and the UKHSA technical report here. 

Reported cases of the Omicron Variant have risen to 8 counts, with seven people reported to be in NYC and one in Suffolk county. Governor Kathy Hochul has authorized the re-direction of hospital resources to serve emergencies and to limit elective and non-urgent procedures to mitigate the already heavy burden on healthcare. Hospital beds and resources are stretching thin throughout the state, despite deployment of the National Guard to support healthcare staff in Western New York after the declaration of a state of emergency. So far, the surging cases are thought to be due to the Delta variant and not Omicron.

Read the full news article here. 

A passenger traveling from South Africa tested positive with the new variant after arriving in California on November 22^nd. They are currently in isolation, experiencing mild symptoms and did not need to be hospitalized. Contact tracing revealed that the infection has not spread beyond the traveler and is limited to one person thus far. This case has recently completed the two dose regimen of Moderna vaccine and has not exceeded the 6 month window to be eligible for a booster. 

President Biden and Dr. Fauci stress the need to get vaccinated with two doses of an approved COVID-19 vaccine and it’s booster since it is predicted that the current vaccines will still offer some protection against Omicron. 

Read the full story here.