New Omicron sub-variant BA.4 and BA.5 set to be dominant strain in coming weeks

Cases of Omicron’s new sub-variants are on the rise across Queensland with chief health officer Dr John Gerrard warning they will become the dominant strains within weeks.

The new Omicron sub-variants of Covid-19 are expected to become the dominant strains in the coming weeks, according to health authorities.

Omicron BA.4 and BA.5 have been both detected in Queensland since May this year with chief health officer Dr John Gerrard saying the state has since seen case numbers rise.

“We must stress that all Covid-19 variants can cause severe illness, especially in vulnerable people,” Dr Gerrard said.

“We expect the BA.4 and BA.5 sub-variants to become dominant within the next couple of weeks.”

Dr Gerrard said intensive care admissions remains low for all strains of the virus, which proved the effectives of vaccines.

“We strongly encourage Queenslanders to remain up to date with their boosters, particularly those over 65 years of age and those with impaired immunity,” he said.

“This virus will continue to mutate so we all need to remain vigilant and responsive by staying home when sick, washing your hands regularly, keeping your distance from others where possible and wearing a face mask when you can’t.”

It comes after Queensland recorded 4,970 new cases of Covid-19 overnight and five deaths.

There were also 512 people in hospital including six in the ICU.

While ICU figures remain low, the number of hospitalisations is the highest it’s been in two months since April 28 when it was at 542.

Meanwhile, the number of daily cases recorded was the highest since this time last month.

The new Omicron variant has already caused a surge in cases in South Australia causing the state to reduce non-urgent elective surgery.