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An increasing number of COVID cases in Michigan are comprised of a second sub-variant. Omicron BA.2, as of last week, accounted for 99 new infections. The second omicron variant has been found in Detroit and twenty one counties. The CDC believes that the new omicron variant accounts for about 25 percent of new cases in the United States. Western Upper Peninsula Health Department Chief Health Officer, Kate Beer, says that the department is monitoring what is going on in other parts of the state, and the variant is something for the public to be aware of.
During the omicron surge, Michigan averaged 17,000 new cases daily. Since then, Michigan’s daily case count has dropped to around 645 per day. BA.2 is considered more transmissible than the original omicron strain, which increased cases around the country and Michigan dramatically. Much like the original omicron strain, BA.2, is less likely to attack the lungs. Experts also note that the vaccine is holding up to the new sub-variant, and helping people to avoid hospitalization or severe illness. The majority of the BA.2 infections in Michigan are occurring in Detroit’s surrounding counties. The CDC says Omicron BA.2 is classified as a variant of concern.
