Will New COVID-19 Subvariants Cause a Winter Surge?

Several rising coronavirus subvariants — including BA.2.75, BA.4.6, BF.7, BQ.1.1, and XBB — have raised fears of another winter COVID-19 surge. 

Key Quotes: A researcher from the University of California San Francisco told Axios (Center bias) that a “moderate surge” was likely; while a “curveball” like last December’s Omicron wave was possible, there was “no good reason” to believe this year’s wave would be as significant. Dr. Anthony Fauci told CBS News (Lean Left bias) that while the new variants “could evade some of the interventions we have,” their relation to the BA.5 subvariant meant updated boosters would likely offer protection. 

How the Left Covered It: Coverage in left and center-rated outlets generally focused on the potential COVID-19 wave, often highlighting scientists’ statements. Some coverage also focused on efforts to distribute updated booster shots. 

How the Right Covered It: Coverage of COVID-19 wave fears was less common among right-rated outlets, which frequently covered a Boston University high-security lab that developed a deadlier coronavirus strain. One writer in Washington Examiner (Lean Right bias) accused The New York Times (Lean Left bias) of wanting people to be “paralyzed by a pandemic that has been over for a year.”