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PRESS RELEASE: NEW OMIRCON SUB-VARIANTS DETECTED IN BOTSWANA

Members of the public are informed that new sub-lineages of the Omicron variant of COVID-19 have been detected in Botswana. The sub-lineages of BQ.1 and BQ1.1 have been detected in the country following routine genome sequencing of COVID-19 cases. The two (BQ1 and BQ1.1) are sub-lineages of the existing BA.5 Omircon variant that has been dominant in Botswana for the last few months and has additional changes to the virus. The impact of the observed changes remains to be established. As per a recent press release by the World Health Organization (WHO) on current available knowledge globally, no major impact on protection against severe disease in foreseen.

Although the two Omircon sub-lineages are new to Botswana, they have been dominant in other countries including Europe and Asia since the second half of 2022. Scientists are still studying the behaviour of these sub-lineages in order to conclusively determine whether they are more transmissible, more deady and whether or not they can evade COVID-19 vaccines. Preliminary observations however have so far not shown any serious deviation from other known sub-variants of Omircon like BA.4 and BA.5

The Ministry of Health, therefore, advices Batswana and all residents to remain vigilant and take precautionary measures to protect themselves and their loved ones all the time. The ministry encourages those who experience influenza-like illnesses vaccinated or taken their booster shots are encouraged to do so, at their earliest convenience.

 

Thank you.

Yours faithfully

[signed]

Dr. Christopher Nyanga

For Permanent Secretary

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