According to the latest data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, a more contagious Omicron subvariant is now dominant in the US.
The data shows that the subvariant, called BA.2, now accounts for more than half of the nation's COVID-19 tests.
In northeastern states, BA.2 is the most common cause of new COVID-19 infections.
Dr. Anthony Fauci, President Biden's chief medical advisor, has said that the subvariant could cause an increase in cases in the US, but he doesn't think it will cause another surge.
We will likely see an increase in cases as we have seen in the European countries, where they have had the same situation as we have had now. They have a degree. He told ABC News that there is a waning of immunity and that they have a relaxation of some restrictions.
According to official data from the UK Health Security Agency, BA.2 has spread 75% faster than the formerly dominant BA.1 Omicron subvariant. Lab studies show that a previous BA.1 infection will offer some protection against BA.2, though it is not known how long this protection will last.
The weekly average of new cases per day in the US was 26,000 as of Tuesday, but the numbers are probably higher as not everyone gets tested. The data shows that cases peaked in January at more than one million.
Fauci said theeasiest way to prevent another surge was to get people vaccinations.
As of Monday, the CDC said that Americans older than 50 with underlying medical conditions, and everyone over 65, may get an extra second booster shot to bolster immunity.
Around half of eligible Americans have had a first booster, according to CDC data.
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