Two new versions of the BA.2 Omicron coronavirus variant are driving new cases in New York, according to officials, helping the region become a national Covid hotspot once again. So far, the variants, BA.2.12 and BA.12.1, may be the fastest-spreading forms of the virus yet, though they don’t appear to cause more severe cases of coronavirus.
State health officials announced the two variants on Wednesday, arguing “these highly contagious new variants are likely contributing to the rising cases.”
