Amid the increasing number of infections with the Coronavirus (known also as COVID-19) globally, the Chinese city of Shanghai announced that experts had detected the “PA.5” sub-variant of the Omicron mutant.
The experts conducted two rounds of COVID-19 tests for 3 days, in an effort to control the possible new outbreak of the virus.
"The new mutant has been shown to have a rapid spread rate and an improved ability to escape from the immune system," said Yuan Zhengan, a member of the city's expert advisory group on COVID-19 prevention.
He added that vaccination is still effective in preventing the mutant from causing serious symptoms or death.
The Chinese authorities allow residents to leave their homes only to purchase essential needs and to conduct check ups. Violators will face prison terms of up to two years.
At the same time, the PA2.75 mutant has caused concern in India for its ability to spread rapidly and outlast previous vaccines and infections. It is unclear whether it can cause more serious disease than other Omicron variants.
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