Oh, here we go again…
The BA.2 Omicron subvariant is expected to become the dominant COVID-19 variant in Malaysia.
Continuous genomic monitoring has revealed that Omicron has supplanted Delta as the country's prevalent strain, according to Director-General of Health Noor Hisham Abdullah.
Photo via Astro AWANI
"Omicron, a variant of concern (VOC), contains three sub-lineages, namely BA.1, BA.1.1, and BA.2, and there has yet been no report of the existence of another sub-lineage, BA.3, in Malaysia as of March 20," he added in a statement.
The BA.2 variety is the most alarming of the bunch since it is more transmissible than the other Omicron sub-lineages and the Delta variant. According to Noor Hisham, the BA.2 variety has been on the rise compared to other variants.
"As of March 17th, BA.2 infections were at 27.1%, rising from 0.9% and 2.7% in January and February, respectively," he said.
Other countries, such as India, Nepal, and Denmark, have expressed concern about the BA.2 sub-lineage becoming the main COVID-19 variant.
Photo via Nikkei Asia
"The Health Ministry feels the BA.2 strain has a high chance of becoming dominant in Malaysia eventually," he said. "As a result, Malaysians must be vigilant against the spread of BA.2, however we are also concerned about the prolonged Delta variant, which has a devastating impact on unvaccinated or unboosted individuals."
As Malaysia prepares to enter the endemic phase next month, he underlines the need of boosting children and senior residents.
Alamak, please stay safe you guys, and get yourself boosted ASAP!
By: Aishah Akashah Ahadiat
