‘We’ll definitely see another spike’: Doctors warn to be cautious with new COVID-19 variant, BA.2

PITTSBURGH — BA.2 is a new variant of COVID-19 in the Omicron family, and it could be in our area soon.

Related >>> BA.2 version of COVID-19 virus beginning to spread in US; more contagious than omicron

Dr. Graham Snyder is the Medical Director of Infection Prevention and Hospital Epidemiology. He says new variants aren’t unexpected and this certainly won’t be the last one.

“I would expect to see, if this emerges in our region, it’ll be over the next few weeks,” Dr. Graham Snyder tells Channel 11 News.

Allegheny County Executive, Rich Fitzgerald says sewage samples show an increase in viral concentration in early March and the health department is analyzing the data.

“Wastewater can be a useful tool to detect a rise in cases before we see a rise in people becoming sick, testing positive and data showing up,” Snyder adds.

“It’s a little nerve-wracking to hear new variants keep coming out,” Taylor Montoney tells Channel 11.

“It is a little scary that just one wrong interaction could ruin everything,” Adam Henderson adds.

Doctors say there is no need to panic. Know your risk and the steps you can take like getting vaccinated and staying out of large, indoor crowds to protect yourself and your loved ones.

“It’s just going to keep repeating,” Benny Bellson tells Channel 11. “It’s going to get better each time because people are used to it and know what to do.”

Allegheny County turning corner in COVID-19 pandemic

©2022 Cox Media Group