Stealth omicron becomes dominant strain in N.J. And its fueling record COVID levels in the U.K. – NJ.com

The rise of the strain has been rapid and consistent.

The stealth omicron subvariant which already was the dominant strain in the U.S. now accounts for more than 70% of all sampled cases in New Jersey through March 19, according to the states latest variant tracker.

In early February, stealth omicron (BA.2) made up less than 3% of cases in the Garden State. It accounted for 45.7% in the week ending March 12.

For weeks, experts have been predicting that BA.2 a genetically distinct branch of the omicron variant (BA.1) would spread until it became the dominant strain in the state and country. However, theyve also maintained that the subvariant was unlikely to lead to another devastating wave.

Yes, infections may increase, experts say, but they do not anticipate lockdowns or other measures, even as masks come off and state mandates end.

But the United Kingdom seen as the canary in the coal mine when it comes to what New Jersey and the rest of the U.S. can expect in the pandemic is experiencing a concerning surge in COVID-19 cases, with 1 in 13 people 4.9 million estimated to have the virus, The Associated Press reported. The record number of infected has also spurred a rise in hospitalizations and deaths.

BA.2 is highly transmissible more transmissible than its variant predecessors. But its not believed to be deadlier. And experts say the large number of vaccinated residents in New Jersey as well as the thousands of people who were infected with omicron likely have some immunity to BA.2.

The original omicron variant still accounts for 29.2% of all cases in New Jersey.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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Spencer Kent may be reached at skent@njadvancemedia.com.

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Stealth omicron becomes dominant strain in N.J. And its fueling record COVID levels in the U.K. - NJ.com