Experts warn of Omicron subvariant BA.2

The omicron subvariant, BA.2, appeared to be "steadily increasing" in prevalence and that BA.2 had now become dominant in several Asian countries, including China, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and the Philippines. 

Dr Rajeev Jayadevan, Co-Chairman National IMA COVID Task Force, however, said there was nothing to be alarmed about. "It's not a new virus or strain. It's a sub-lineage and will be more transmissible than BA.1 but will not cause another surge."

However, the decline in the number of tests being conducted around the world is beginning to muddle the real picture, WHO said.