The first cases of “Stealth Omicron” have been diagnosed in Spain with scientists continuing to monitor the outbreak.
Two cases of the BA.2, have been detected in Catalonia, and with another found in Majorca, according to health officials. However, it has been suggested that the figures could be much higher because fewer patients are turning up at hospitals.
Scientists in the Majorca capital Palma confirmed that the BA.2 subvariant of Omicron, which is known to be more contagious than the current strain, is already circulating.
The new variant has been called “stealth omicron” because it is more difficult to detect and track through diagnostic tests.
Scientists are now studying whether it is more contagious or not, after it has started to spread in countries across Europe.
Research into the new subvariant is in its early stages but it appears to be even more transmissible than previously known.
Latest reports show omicron is responsible for 96.3 per cent of infections in the Balearic Islands, which includes Majorca, while the remaining 3.7 per cent is divided between Delta and the new sub-variant.
Meanwhile, Spain's Minister of Health Carolina Darias insisted it would necessary to remain cautious and keep a close eye on its evolution.
She said it was still too early to reduce coronavirus quarantines from seven days because of high numbers of infections across the country - despite calls to gradually ease restrictions.
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