Mary Wilson
Well-known member
Department's Wadsworth Center Identifies Two Sub-lineages of BA.2—BA.2.12 and BA.2.12.1—Potentially Contributing to Increased Transmission Reported in Central New York and Surrounding Regions
Department Reminds All New Yorkers to Get Fully Vaccinated/Boosted, Consider Wearing a Mask in Public Indoor Spaces, Test Following Exposure/Symptoms, Seek Treatment/Stay Home if COVID-Positive and Consult with Healthcare Provider Regarding Treatments
ALBANY, N.Y. (April 13, 2022) The New York State Department of Health today announced the emergence of two Omicron subvariants in New York State, BA.2.12 and BA.2.12.1. Both variants are sub-lineages of BA.2, which now accounts for 80.6% of COVID-19 infections in New York. The subvariants have been estimated to have a 23% – 27% growth advantage above the original BA.2 variant. Over the past few weeks, the Department has been investigating higher than average infection rates in Central New York. Based on newly available data in the public database, GISAID, as well as additional data submitted directly to the Wadsworth Center from sequencing laboratories in New York, State health officials have determined that these highly contagious new variants are likely contributing to the rising cases. For the month of March, BA.2.12 and BA.2.12.1 rose to collectively comprise more than 70% prevalence in Central New York and more than 20% prevalence in the neighboring Finger Lakes region. Data for April indicate that levels in Central New York are now above 90%. The Department's findings are the first reported instances of significant community spread due to the new subvariants in the United States. At this time, there is no evidence of increased disease severity by these subvariants, though the Department is closely monitoring for any changes.
"We are alerting the public to two Omicron subvariants, newly emerged and rapidly spreading in upstate New York, so New Yorkers can act swiftly," said State Health Commissioner Dr. Mary T. Bassett. ...
https://www.health.ny.gov/press/releases/2022/2022-04-13_covid-19.htm
Department Reminds All New Yorkers to Get Fully Vaccinated/Boosted, Consider Wearing a Mask in Public Indoor Spaces, Test Following Exposure/Symptoms, Seek Treatment/Stay Home if COVID-Positive and Consult with Healthcare Provider Regarding Treatments
ALBANY, N.Y. (April 13, 2022) The New York State Department of Health today announced the emergence of two Omicron subvariants in New York State, BA.2.12 and BA.2.12.1. Both variants are sub-lineages of BA.2, which now accounts for 80.6% of COVID-19 infections in New York. The subvariants have been estimated to have a 23% – 27% growth advantage above the original BA.2 variant. Over the past few weeks, the Department has been investigating higher than average infection rates in Central New York. Based on newly available data in the public database, GISAID, as well as additional data submitted directly to the Wadsworth Center from sequencing laboratories in New York, State health officials have determined that these highly contagious new variants are likely contributing to the rising cases. For the month of March, BA.2.12 and BA.2.12.1 rose to collectively comprise more than 70% prevalence in Central New York and more than 20% prevalence in the neighboring Finger Lakes region. Data for April indicate that levels in Central New York are now above 90%. The Department's findings are the first reported instances of significant community spread due to the new subvariants in the United States. At this time, there is no evidence of increased disease severity by these subvariants, though the Department is closely monitoring for any changes.
"We are alerting the public to two Omicron subvariants, newly emerged and rapidly spreading in upstate New York, so New Yorkers can act swiftly," said State Health Commissioner Dr. Mary T. Bassett. ...
https://www.health.ny.gov/press/releases/2022/2022-04-13_covid-19.htm
