New Omicron COVID-19 Variant Discovered

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NASSAU, BAHAMAS – A new COVID-19 variant is spreading rapidly in some countries, putting local officials on high alert.

Infectious Diseases Programme Director Dr. Nikkiah Forbes tells Our News early vaccines acquired in the fight against COVID may not provide as much protection against the new omicron COVID-19 variant called XBB 1.5.

According to Dr. Forbes, researchers suggest vaccines rolled out in 2021 may not be a match for the new strain.

That means you are more likely to get COVID again, even if you were infected before.

The new variant has been identified in about 70 countries and is causing a surge in some areas.

In late December, the XBB 1.5 variant accounted for 40 percent of cases in the United States, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control.

Currently, Dr. Forbes says there’s no data to suggest the variant is in The Bahamas.

Newer vaccines have some protection against the variant, but those vaccines are not available in The Bahamas.

And if you’re wondering if the new strain is more contagious, Dr. Forbes says studies are continuing.