What We Know About the Omicron Clan of Virus Variants: QuickTake

The global spread of SARS-CoV-2 has spawned a plethora of virus variants, each competing to more efficiently spread and evade the antibodies people generated from past infections and vaccinations. The highly transmissible omicron variant sent daily cases of Covid-19 to new heights early this year and its subvariants continue to evolve, driving fresh outbreaks. That’s challenging the achievement of community protection via so-called herd immunity, prompting the development of updated vaccines as well as testing the public’s tolerance for pandemic-mitigation efforts like booster shots, frequent testing and mask-wearing.

1. How is omicron evolving?

Omicron, also known as BA.1, was ...