Currently, in the US, more than one-thirdof COVID-19 cases were caused by the Omicron subvariant BA.2, which accounted for 35% of the infections, compared to 22% in the previous week.

The BA.2 subvariant is highly transmissible and has spread in many countries, including 55% of new infections in New England and 48% of new cases in New York and New Jersey. 

Health officials have been studying the trend throughout the world, predicting a rise in cases in the US in a week’s time. More precautions and a vigilant approach were required to tackle the situation emerging due to the BA.2 subvariant owing to relaxations in several restrictions.

The Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation at the University of Washington stated that no major surge was expected in the next few weeks as it showed a declining trend in infections during the spring. But the relaxation of COVID-19 restrictions, including removal of masking and allowing social gatherings, may allow the spread of BA.2, causing an increase in the cases for a short period. Hence, more attention should be paid to the vulnerable groups. (Medscape Medical News, March 23, 2022)