BA.2 COVID-19 Variant Spreads in the US, but Experts See Minimal Cause for Alarm

The BA.2 subvariant of the Omicron COVID-19 variant now accounts for about 72% of all new cases, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). But voices across the media spectrum say it shouldn't raise concerns about another deadly surge.

Media coverage on left and right highlights experts who say it's unlikely that BA.2 will accelerate deaths and disrupt the U.S. economy. The daily average of new COVID-19 cases was 27,573 on Monday, down 6% from two weeks ago and 96% from January's Omicron surge, according to New York Times (Lean Left bias) data. Infectious disease expert Anthony Fauci said last week that an uptick in cases is likely, but a surge is not. The BA.2 subvariant spreads quickly — it made up 55% of new U.S. cases last week and is causing surges in Europe and elsewhere — but evidence cited by media outlets on both sides highlight evidence suggesting that it's no more severe than other variants.

Some reports from left-rated sources also cited experts who warned that the fall could bring waning immunity and the potential for another deadlier surge. On the right, one report from Epoch Times highlighted how the Biden administration recently restricted some states from using a COVID-19 treatment deemed ineffective against BA.2, framing the move as potentially misguided.