A new variant derived from the Omicron variant has begun spreading in Denmark and the United Kingdom, possessing many of the same mutations found in Omicron. This new strain is called BA.2, which currently has fewer reported cases than those associated with Omicron.
Data from the UK Health Security Agency indicates that the new variant has the potential to spread faster than Omicron; however, scientists have clarified that there is currently no evidence suggesting that it is more severe or dangerous than the original variant. The Wellcome Sanger Institute, which produces maps of circulating coronavirus variants in the UK, revealed that BA.2 has now become more common than the Delta variant, as reported by the British newspaper The Sun.
Studies in Denmark, where cases of the new variant account for more than half of Omicron infections, have shown no differences in hospitalization risks between BA.2 and Omicron. It has been clarified that the mutated Omicron variant does not appear to cause more severe illness compared to the original Omicron, which resembles a common cold for most individuals, especially those who are vaccinated.
Danish health authorities, where most cases of the new variant have emerged so far, stated that COVID-19 vaccines remain effective against the new strain.
