The Omicron variant of the coronavirus – more contagious but less virulent – remains largely predominant in Belgium, while the Delta mutation is “endangered”, noted the interfederal spokesperson Covid-19, Yves Van Laethem, Friday during the weekly presentation to the press on the situation of the coronavirus pandemic in Belgium.
The Omicron BA.1/BA.1.1 variant “currently accounts for 86% of coronavirus contaminations. The BA.2 sub-variant tends to increase and concerns 14% of infections”, detailed the virologist.
Omicron is in fact divided into several “lineages”: BA.1, BA.1.1, BA.2 and BA.3. The BA.2 mutation (which presents differences compared to the other sub-variants, in particular in the protein spike , the “entry key” for the virus in the body) has been present in Belgium since January.It is increasing in many countries, which is why the Sciensano Public Health Institute is keeping it under the microscope.
BA.2 might become dominant in the coming weeks, predicted Steven Van Gucht.
The virologist is not too worried regarding the epidemiological impact of this new sub-variant. “The number of infections might increase, but this will mainly be due to the increase in contact between people”, explains Steven Van Gucht. “You can see this in Denmark, for example, where the regulations were relaxed earlier than in Belgium. The other figures are therefore not necessarily on the rise. We don’t expect too much additional pressure. »
