Explainer: What is the new Omicron sub-variant and how does it affect SA?
SA authorities are warning of a rise in case numbers of a new Omicron sub-variant – as emergency plans foreshadow a fourth jab for winter.
SA News
Don't miss out on the headlines from SA News. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Authorities are warning a new Omicron sub-variant wreaking havoc across the country could see Covid case numbers surge in coming weeks in South Australia.
It comes as national authorities consider another booster shot for all Australians aged over 16 before winter.
The BA.2 sub-variant is believed to spread quicker than the original Omicron variant and is set to double case numbers in New South Wales within the next month, modelling shows.
An SA Health statement said Omicron was the dominant variant of Covid-19 in SA but genomic sequencing had shown the number of BA.2 cases was on the rise, with 19 per cent of cases now the sub-variant.
“Our experience with this sub-variant is still being monitored but to date suggests BA.2 is probably more transmissible than BA.1,” the statement said.
“There is not enough information yet to comment on its severity.
“We will continue to track BA.2 and encourage the community to continue to follow Covid safe behaviours such as wearing masks where required, maintaining 1.5m distance from others, staying home when sick, and getting tested at the first sign of symptoms.”
Police Commissioner Grant Stevens said the new sub-variant was not discussed at Thursday’s Covid Ready Committee which resulted in a significant relaxation of Covid rules.
“I’ve had no specific advice from SA Health regarding any sub-variant,” Mr Stevens told ABC Radio Adelaide on Friday morning.
“There has been some loose reference to it but it hasn’t been brought to my attention as a variant of concern, or any indication that the arrival of this sub-variant is going to change the current situation in terms of how we’re managing Covid.
“If a new variant is less severe and more people contract the virus, that’s not something that would concern me greatly from an emergency management point of view.
“The thing for us is whether or not a new variant forces more people into the hospital system, that would be a concern and I’m not hearing that is the case.”
Meanwhile, national health authorities are drawing up emergency plans to ensure Australians over 16 can get another Covid booster short ahead of winter if necessary.
National cabinet will meet on Friday to discuss the nation’s preparedness for winter waves on Friday.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison is set to pump at least $2.1bn into Australia’s Covid response, particularly for vaccines, the coronavirus helpline and more.
Australia’s expert immunisation panel will soon decide whether immunocompromised Aussies will need another booster before winter, with work already underway to organise an aged care program for fourth jabs if required.
Providing extra doses to those groups is one of several scenarios to be presented on Friday, as well as administering another round of boosters to all adults and a worst-case option in which a new strain requires two doses of a new vaccine.
More Coverage
Originally published as Explainer: What is the new Omicron sub-variant and how does it affect SA?
Climate’s right for SA bid to host key global conference
South Australia will bid to host one of the largest global events in 2026, with an estimated economic benefit of $500m.
Adelaide rolls out the eco-friendly green carpet
Set the private jets to standby as The Advertiser shores up the celebrity guest list for COP31, helping our eco-friendly A-listers find their way around Adelaide.