Episode Details

Recently Identified, Highly Contagious Omicron Subvariants New York State Department of Health https://www.health.ny.gov/press/releases/2022/2022-04-13_covid-19.htm https://www.nytimes.com/live/2022/04/14/world/covid-19-mandates-cases-vaccine Emergence of Recently Identified, Highly Contagious Omicron Subvariants in New York Wadsworth Center Identifies Two Sub-lineages of BA.2 BA.2.12 23% growth advantage above the original BA.2 variant. BA.2.12.1 27% growth advantage above the original BA.2 variant. Potentially Contributing to Increased Transmission Reported in Central New York and Surrounding Regions BA.2, now 80.6% of infections in New York During March BA.2.12 and BA.2.12.1 rose to 70% prevalence in Central New York Data for April Levels in Central New York are now above 90% At this time, there is no evidence of increased disease severity by these subvariants State Health Commissioner Dr. Mary T. Bassett We are alerting the public to two Omicron subvariants, newly emerged and rapidly spreading in upstate New York, so New Yorkers can act swiftly get fully vaccinated and boosted, test following exposure, symptoms, or travel, consider wearing a mask in public indoor spaces, consult with your healthcare provider about treatment if you test positive. Also If COVID-positive, stay home and consult with a healthcare provider about treatments. Improve air ventilation or gather outdoors New Yorkers who are not vaccinated or up to date with vaccinations are at increased risk of developing severe disease. Kirsten St. George, NY virologist BA.2.12 and BA.2.12.1 40 other countries 30 states across the United States NY city Cases, + 2,104 ( 7 day average) Up 60% (past 14 days) Deaths, down 9% (past 14 days) US Cases, + 22% Deaths, down 27% Hospitalized, down 13%

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