Arcturus – New COVID-19 Subvariant
There’s a new COVID-19 subvariant of Omicron, XBB.1.16, which was first detected in NSW in February this year. The infections are now slowly rising.
Although, the World Health Organization (WHO) has assessed this strain as “low risk” on a global scale, there is a surge of cases in India. As of April 17, WHO now has it as a strain of interest.
What is Arcturus?
Subvariant XBB.1.16 has come to be known colloquially as Arcturus and is related to the XBB.1.5 subvariant, which was detected in Australia in January.
Both are mutations of the Omicron variant of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19.
Hospitalisations are also increasing. In the week ending March 17 some 1345 people were hospitalised. While recently the week’s national figure had increased to 2008.
Hospital figures are the most accurate figures we have on a variant’s impact. You can’t fake being in hospital, but rapid antigen tests case numbers can be unreliable.
When should I get vaccinated?
If it’s at least six months since your last COVID-19 vaccination or confirmed infection, NSW Health says your immunity may be waning.
It’s suggested that all adults consider a booster at this time, but for some high-risk groups — like those over 65 — it’s strongly recommended.
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