The new #XBB116 variant is beginning to get more attention. This #COVID19 mutation is causing a significant rise in cases and hospitalizations in India, where it has a month or two headstart compared to Europe and the US.
“We're monitoring it because it has potential changes that we need to keep a good eye out on… In India, XBB.1.16 has replaced the other variants that are in circulation, so this is one to watch.”
- Maria Van Kerkhove, WHO’s COVID-19 technical lead
@augieray so we get at least a bit lucky in view of the summer (aka less time indoors).
@t_mkdf I think the data may suggest that less time indoors works in the north, but I think the south tends to see more time in air-conditioned crowds, contributing to summer surges. Check out the surges in Florida, with peaks July 2020, August 2021 and July 2022.
