Scientists Say BA.2.12.1 Variant Combines Properties Of Both Omicron, Delta

The AP (5/26) reports “the coronavirus mutant that is now dominant in the United States” – BA.2.12.1 – “is a member of the Omicron family but scientists say it spreads faster than its Omicron predecessors, is adept at escaping immunity and might possibly cause more serious disease” because “it combines properties of both Omicron and Delta.” This “genetic change is also present in the Omicron relatives that together dominate in South Africa, known as BA.4 and BA.5.”

Dominant coronavirus mutant contains ghost of pandemic past | AP News