New variants expected to supplant BA.5 in Australia Both XBB and BQ.1 possess a growth advantage over previous COVID strains, but there is no evidence to suggest either variant is more severe.
Almost one in every two Australians has had COVID-19 Survey taken from blood donors in June confirms that levels have increased exponentially since a similar study in March.
BA.5 confirmed as dominant strain in Australia The latest Omicron variant has overtaken BA.2 and now accounts for roughly half of all current cases across the country.
Complacency concerns as BA.2 spreads: ‘We need to be wary’ COVID-19 infection rates are trending upwards in most Australian states and territories, with winter right around the corner.
What does the Omicron sub variant mean for Australia’s pandemic response? Detected in at least 40 countries, including Australia, BA.2 is described as being ‘stealthier’ than the original version of Omicron.