Omicron Has a ‘Sub-Variant’ — BA.2

Meet ‘Stealth Omicron.’ Two cases are in North Texas, and in 40 percent of new European cases

Scientists say a “sub-variant” of Covid-19's Omicron variant, (BA.1,) is spreading as BA.2. They call the BA.2 sub-variant, “Stealth Omicron.” But by using the word “stealth,” don’t they make the virus sound like an invisible killer?

Most people will not read the parenthetical explanation in news reports. The one that says this round is like Omicron, and then it is not. They will see “stealth,” think of a black US radar avoiding aircraft and exclaim, “Oh shit! I don’t want that ‘Stealthy’ death-sounding version of Omicron. The name sounds bad!”

Who picks a name like this?!

Someone other than scientists should choose Covid-19 nomenclature. At least they might pick names that sound less ominous.

Most physicians don’t know which version they’re treating

A clinician and Covid test center supervisor I know says healthcare professionals do not know which variant patients have. “We know their viral load is high enough to cause a positive test result. Because this is viral and not a bacterial infection, there’s not much we can do for our patients.”