The Omicron variant of coronavirus (B.1.1.529), classified as a variant of concern, has split into two lineages, called BA.1 and BA.2.

Health experts; however, say that there is nothing to be worried about. Experts suggest that the split in the Omicron lineage is of particular interest to scientists as it will help with epidemiological surveillance; however, there is nothing for the common people to be concerned about. Vinod Scaria, a senior scientist at the Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology (IGIB), tweeted that BA.1 will have the original lineage while BA.2 will encompass the new outlier with nearly 24 mutations. The two lineages have been classified on the basis of mutations. Some of the mutations are common in both variants, while some are unique to both… (ET Healthworld – TNN, December 8, 2021)