Two new Omicron sub-variants under investigation, says WHO
IndependentSep 14, 2022
WHO Investigating Two New Omicron Subvariants
Image copyright: Keystone via AP File [via New York Post]
The Facts
On Mon., the WHO announced that it's investigating two new Omicron subvariants, BA.4 and BA.5, to assess whether they're more infectious than previous strains.
Only a few dozen cases of the new subvariants have been reported to GISAID, a global database that monitors the spread of COVID strains.
The Spin
Left narrative
While new subvariants are to be expected, it would be foolish not to take this seriously. Omicron is evolving due to failures to implement proper measures. Socially-accepted terms like "endemic" and "new normal" are disingenuous as the pandemic rolls into another deadly surge.
Right narrative
It's time to accept that COVID is here to stay and learn to live with it. Goals to eradicate it are dangerous fantasies used to justify policies that impose real harm while doing little to actually stop the virus. While efforts should be made to protect the vulnerable, Omicron is milder than previous strains and not the disaster many portray it to be.