Cases of a sub-variant of omicron, the COVID-19 variant that sickened millions across the world and prompted shutdowns and numerous restrictions across the U.S., appears to be making a comeback in New Jersey.
The sub-variant, called BA.2, has been infecting many people in recent days in foreign countries, and now accounts for 18% of new cases in the Garden State, according to the New Jersey Health Department.
The BA.2 sub-variant is estimated to be about 30% more transmissible than omicron, which is itself far more transmissible than previous COVID strains.
Still, health experts say there’s nothing to panic over, and for now they are just keeping a close eye on BA.2’s spread.
Health experts also say that currently available vaccines are effective against this sub-variant, meaning most vaccinated people shouldn’t be seriously affected, even if they do get sick.
