New Variant

• New variants of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, will continue to occur.

• The CDC coordinates collaborative partnerships which continue to fuel the largest viral genomic sequencing effort to date.

• The Omicron variant, which emerged in November 2021, has many lineages. New lineages continue to emerge and spread in the United States and globally.

• Viruses constantly change through mutation and sometimes these mutations result in a new variant of the virus. Some changes and mutations allow the virus to spread more easily or make it resistant to treatments or vaccines. As the virus spreads, it may change and become harder to stop.

• To get the latest updates on COVID-19 variants, visit the CDC's website.

Source: CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)