Omicron sub-variant surging as mandates end

An omicron sub-variant of COVID-19 that can evade vaccine immunity is on the rise in Victoria, with authorities warning it is on track to be the state’s major strain in line with the virus’ spread in NSW and Queensland.

Traces of BA.4/BA.5 in Victoria’s metro and regional wastewater have “risen significantly in recent weeks, indicating increasing transmission”, Chief Health Officer Brett Sutton said.

COVID-19 subvariant is set to become Victoria’s dominant coronavirus strain (copyright link)