A medical worker fills a syringe with a coronavirus vaccineMOSCOW, 29 Jan. Subtype BA.2 of the omicron strain of coronavirus, called the «hidden omicron», has a higher spread rate compared to subtype BA.1. This is evidenced by the results of an analysis conducted by the UK Health Agency (UKHSA) published on the British government portal. «Now we know that BA.2 has an increased spread rate. This pattern is observed in all regions of England. We also found out that BA. 2 has a slightly higher re-infection rate than BA.1,» said Susan Hopkins, Chief Medical Adviser of the UKHSA. omicron-strain At the same time, British scientists note that the effectiveness of vaccines against a new variety of omicron is at the same level as against BA.1. Last week, the UKHSA identified a new variety of «omicron» BA.2 as an investigational variant. BA.2 is called «hidden» because it is difficult to distinguish it from the original BA.1 in laboratory conditions. However, PCR tests and rapid antigen tests unmistakably show a positive result in those infected with BA.2. Vaccination remains the most effective protection against all existing types of coronavirus. Minister of Health Mikhail Murashko emphasized that the majority of patients with COVID-19 who are admitted to Russian hospitals have not been vaccinated. :22InfographicComparison of effectiveness of Sputnik V and Pfizer vaccines against omicron-strainInfographicView
