; The incubation time (time to onset of symptoms) is a bit shorter: 3 days. The original Delta variant remains overwhelmingly dominant in the UK, making up approximately 99.8% of all cases. That contrasts to Denmark, where it has become dominant. "Looking at other countries where BA.2 is now overtaking, we're not seeing any higher bumps in hospitalisation than expected," the WHO's Dr Boris Pavlin says. The BA.2 subvariant of Omicron, or the "stealth" variant, has been outcompeting the previously dominant BA.1 subvariant in several countries. This will include analysing live samples of the new variant in our laboratories to investigate properties including its response to current vaccines. Omicron soon began branching off into a number of subvariants: BA.2 took off in the spring, and BA.5 came to dominate towards the end of the summer. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has published its latest COVID-19 variant technical briefing. BA.2 is estimated to account for approximately 93.7% of cases in England, with the highest prevalence in the South East (96.4%) and the lowest in the East Midlands (91.1%). Analyses of sequenced SGTF samples has indicated that until mid-November, more than 99% of these were Delta cases. The team at ZOE, a study that tracks symptoms . A detrimental change in biological properties (changes in transmissibility, severity or immune evasion) compared to the current dominant variant. The Omicron variant sub-lineage known as BA.2 has been designated a variant under investigation ( VUI-22JAN-01) by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA). Thats why its so important that everybody, everywhere, takes simple steps to protect themselves from infection. As prevalence increases, its more important than ever that we all remain alert, take precautions, and ensure that were up to date with COVID-19 vaccinations, which remain our best form of defence against the virus. This particular recombinant, XE, has shown a variable growth rate and we cannot yet confirm whether it has a true growth advantage. Once again, we urge everyone who is able to get a booster jab to come forward and do so. If you have any symptoms, take a test. 2. As of January 10 2022, 53 sequences of the BA.2 sub-lineage of Omicron had been identified in the United Kingdom. Whilst Omicron BA.4 and BA.5 are in the early stages of growth in the UK, analysis of the available data suggests that they are likely to have a growth advantage over the currently-dominant Omicron BA.2 variant. 1. The pace of sharing sequences by India is very slow, median days from collection to deposition is 69 days according to GISAID. UKHSA continues to examine all available data relating to SARS-CoV-2 variants in the UK and abroad. The omicron variant of the coronavirus was first detected in late 2021. This sub-lineage, which was designated by Pangolin on 6 December 2021, does not have the spike gene deletion at 69-70 that causes S-gene target failure (SGTF), which has previously been used as a proxy to detect cases of Omicron. The BA.2 subvariant has been referred to as stealth Omicron because it contains genetic mutations that can make it harder to distinguish from the . To help us improve GOV.UK, wed like to know more about your visit today. Although hospitalisations and deaths remain low, cases are still high in some areas and some age groups so its important that we continue to act cautiously as restrictions are lifted. Protection against hospitalisation from vaccines is good against the Omicron variant. Following the change in JCVI advice today, a booster dose for everyone over 18 years is now recommended and will be available at a minimum of 3 months from your last primary course jab. Experts in Kolkata say that BA.2 symptoms are mostly associated with abdomen and stomach instead of cough or shortness of breath. Professor Susan Hopkins, Chief Medical Advisor, UKHSA said: Recombinant variants are not an unusual occurrence, particularly when there are several variants in circulation, and several have been identified over the course of the pandemic to date. The first genomes of this variant were uploaded to the international GISAID database on 22 November. You can change your cookie settings at any time. Where individuals are identified as being a possible or probable case, their close contacts will be contacted and advised to isolate for 10 days and to take a test. BA.3 shares most of its mutations with BA.1 and BA.2 except for one. Vaccination is critical to help us bolster our defences against this new variant please get your first, second or booster jab without delay. UKHSAis carrying out targeted testing at locations where the positive cases were likely to be infectious. Read about our approach to external linking. Working from home where possible, consistently wearing masks in crowded or enclosed spaces, washing your hands regularly and isolating and getting tested if you feel unwell are also vitally important in reducing the impact of COVID-19 this winter. As I previously reported, omicron subvariants have a shorter incubation period, which is why the symptoms may appear earlier. Follow the latest self-isolation rules if you develop symptoms wear a mask where required to do so, take regular LFD tests and observe good hand hygiene. However, cases of the variant continue to rise at an extraordinary rate already surpassing the record daily number in the pandemic. If you have any symptoms of a respiratory infection, and a high temperature or feel unwell, try to stay at home or away from others especially those who are elderly or vulnerable. Until we have this evidence, we must exercise the highest level of caution in drawing conclusions about any significant risks to peoples health. The analysis shows that coronavirus (COVID-19) cases in the UK are primarily made up of BQ.1 and its sublineages, consistent with the UKHSA risk assessment published in October. Xi Jinping is unveiling a new deputy - why it matters, Bakhmut attacks still being repelled, says Ukraine, Saving Private Ryan actor Tom Sizemore dies at 61, The children left behind in Cuba's mass exodus, Snow, Fire and Lights: Photos of the Week. As is routine for any new variants under investigation,UKHSAis carrying out laboratory and epidemiological investigations to better understand the characteristics of this variant. It includes a complete list of studies planned and already under way into the emerging variant. Based on the CDC's genomic surveillance, the BA.2 or stealth Omicron subvariant is responsible for most new SARS-CoV-2 infections in the U.S. BA.2 is a subvariant of the original SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant (B.1.1.529), along with BA.1.1 and BA.3. A growth rate potentially compatible with the eventual replacement of the current dominant variant. As of 20 October, there were 15,120 cases of VUI-21OCT-01 confirmed by whole genome sequences in England since it was first detected in July. Get vaccinated and, for those eligible, come forward for your third or booster dose as appropriate as soon as you are called. Please make sure to wear a mask in line with government guidance, including on public transport and in shops, to help break the chains of transmission and slow the spread of this new variant. Dr Meera Chand, Director of Clinical and Emerging Infection at UKHSA, said: It is not unexpected to see new variants of SARS-CoV-2 emerge. UKHSA has updated its stay at home guidance and non-household contacts guidance to reflect changes to self-isolation requirements for contacts of people who have been identified as a suspected or confirmed case of the Omicron variant of COVID-19. UKHSA is carrying out targeted testing at locations where the positive cases were likely to be infectious. A recombinant variant occurs when an individual becomes infected with 2 or more variants at the same time, resulting in a mixing of their genetic material within the patients body. Further studies are underway in the UK and abroad. SGTF is not a 100% accurate test for Omicron and results are regularly evaluated against sequencing to ensure they are interpreted correctly. As viruses mutate often and at random, it is not unusual for small numbers of cases to arise featuring new sets of mutations. The sub-variant of Omicron has been detected in 57 countries now, the WHO says. The latest data confirmed that among those who had received 2 doses of AstraZeneca, there was no effect against Omicron from 20 weeks after the second dose. The five most common symptoms of Omicron are: runny nose;. You will not always know whether someone you come into contact with is at higher risk of becoming seriously ill from respiratory infections, including COVID-19. Data continues to show COVID-19 poses a very low health risk to children and infants. This is very encouraging. There is currently insufficient evidence to draw conclusions about growth advantage or other properties of this variant. This is more promising data which reinforces just how important vaccines are. Work is underway to identify any links to travel. UKHSA has performed an initial laboratory evaluation of the current lateral flow devices (LFDs) for COVID-19 in current use in the UK. Download the data.xlsx. In some countries, BA.2 accounts for more than half of sequenced Omicron cases, it adds. We constantly assess the genetic diversity within the known variants of concern (VOCs) to inform our ongoing public health response to the pandemic. The variant technical briefing also includes updated analysis on Omicron BA.2, currently the dominant variant in the UK. What is the stealth omicron, or BA.2, variant? But the latest data suggests this extra protection starts to wane more rapidly, being about 15 to 25% lower from 10 weeks after the booster dose. It was designated a variant of concern (VOC) on Saturday 27 November. Early data shows that young children who are hospitalised experience mild illness and are discharged after short stays in hospital. "We must remain vigilant and take up vaccinations. Thats why its critical that anyone with COVID-19 symptoms isolates and gets a PCR test immediately.. It is still too early to determine next steps, so please stay cautious this Christmas and get your booster as soon as possible to protect yourself and your loved ones. An estimated 78.7% of confirmed cases in England are BA.5 which was first identified in April and was designated as a Variant of Concern on 18 May. The analysis looked at 581 people with confirmed Omicron. UKHSAs new analysis examines 3 recombinants, known as XF, XE, and XD. It contains epidemiological data and updated analysis of COVID-19 variants currently circulating in the UK. Wear a mask in crowded places, including public transport and shops, to ensure we all help break the chains of transmission and slow the spread of this new variant. UKHSA is carrying out targeted testing at locations where the positive cases were likely to be infectious. An ad blocker has likely prevented this video content from loading. Currently there are 18 UK samples in GISAID, out of a global total of 1,086; 639 samples have been uploaded from Singapore, and it is thought that XBB may be a factor in the recent spike in cases there. However, the preliminary data showed effectiveness against the new variant appears to increase considerably in the early period after a booster dose, providing around 70% to 75% protection against symptomatic infection. BA.1 accounts for most of the cases. A major ailment is not to be expected for the age group 20-50 years. If you have symptoms take a PCR test and isolate at home until you receive a negative result. There are also hybrid strains, such as XE, which is a combination of BA.1 and BA.2 By Alex Finnis We use some essential cookies to make this website work. There is no data to suggest that BA.2 leads to more severe disease than previous Omicron sub-variants. The Delta variant sub-lineage known as Delta AY.4.2 was designated a variant under investigation (VUI) by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) on 20 October 2021 and has been given the official name VUI-21OCT-01. Two variants, CH.1.1 and XBB.1.5, appear to have a growth advantage in the UK. Twoto4 weeks after a booster dose, vaccine effectiveness ranged from around 65 to 75%, dropping to 55 to 70% at 5 to 9 weeks and 40 to 50% from 10+ weeks after the booster. The risk assessment also suggests that Omicron displays a reduction in protection offered by having had a previous infection or vaccination. BA.2 Symptoms Not That Different From Omicron, Delta. moderate COVID-19 symptoms who are at high risk of . Take a vaccine to protect yourself against COVID-19. There is insufficient data to make any assessment of protection against severe disease, or to assess the severity of illness caused by Omicron. It is very likely that we will find more cases over the coming days as we are seeing in other countries globally and as we increase case detection through focused contact tracing. Work from home if you are able to, wear a mask indoors around other people, and ventilate indoor spaces well. And in England, more than 1,000 confirmed cases of BA.2 have been identified, according to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA). The B.1.1.529variant includes a large number of spike protein mutations as well as mutations in other parts of the viral genome. Anewrisk assessment for OmicronVOC-21NOV-01 (B.1.1.529)has also been published and is available here. Please make sure to wear a mask in line with government guidance, including on public transport and in shops, to help break the chains of transmission and slow the spread of this new variant. The Delta variant, for example, comprises 200 different sub-variants. However, it is not confirmatory as there are a number of other reasons that a sample might exhibit SGTF. B.1.1.529 has a large number of mutations in the gene coding for the spike protein, and also in other parts of the viral genome.