A new coronavirus subvariant has been identified in Washington, even as states across the country continue to deal with a surge in omicron cases.
The subvariant is known as BA.2, a mutation of the omicron variant.
“We’re aware of that, and what we’ve seen with that so far is we know that that’s even more highly transmissible than omicron," said Dr. Bruce Dart with the Tulsa Health Department.
Omicron was first detected in California in late November, and by December 17, it was here in Oklahoma.
OU Healthwastewater testing identified the new omicron variant in the state, and they’re continuing to monitor the wastewater now.
“I know that our public health lab continues to do sequencing," said Dr. Dart.
Oklahoma hospitals are currently dealing with some of the highest hospitalizations they’ve seen since the pandemic began.
“Our health care system continues to be strained; schools and local businesses continue to be hit by staffing shortages, so frankly, we’re not out of the woods yet," said Dr. Dart.
Dr. Dart says it’s unclear if we’ve hit our peak with the omicron surge just yet, and now, a new variant is likely on its way.
“To my knowledge, we haven’t gotten any reports here in Oklahoma yet, but like anything else in the pandemic, it’s only a matter of time," said Dr. Dart.