The omicron subvariant BA.2 is continuing to gain ground in the U.S., according to Covid-19 tests sequenced over the last two weeks.
Helix, a San Diego-based genomics firm, has been watching the BA.2 variant since it first popped up in the U.S. in early January. Although it was initially slow to take hold, Helix now estimates that 50% to 70% of all Covid cases nationwide are BA.2.
Will Lee, Helixâs chief science officer, said this type of surveillance is essential and can help arm the U.S. health care system against future variants.
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Data from the U.K. â where BA.2 has already caused cases to spike â show the countryâs rise in infections began around the same time that BA.2 surpassed the 50% mark of overall cases.
