In India, contact tracing to look for the spread of viral infection, clustering, and occurrence after the detection of BA.4 and BA.5 has intensified. Both sub-variants were first reported in South Africa that have now spread to several countries. The subvariants have been held responsible for the 5th wave in South Africa.

Dr. NK Arora, Head of COIVD working group of India, National Technical advisory group on immunization stated that the group will not leave any stones unturned to complement genome sequencing along with sewage surveillance. The experts suggest that the sub-variants share similarities with BA.2 variant responsible for the 3rd wave in India. Anurag Agarwal, INSACOG, and WHO advisory group stated that the antigenic property of the sub-variants is far away from BA.1 variant hence there will be no effective prevention against reinfection. However, in India BA.2 sub-variant was the cause behind the surging cases which is somewhat similar to the new variants. So, the risk of infection is very low in our nation. 

According to South African data, there is no significant difference in severity, as the severity is dependent on the percentage of the population vaccinated.