XAY.2 variant not detected in China

Special: Battle Against Novel Coronavirus

(ECNS) -- The COVID-19 XAY.2 variant has not been detected in China, but the country will continue to trace it and conduct scientific analysis, said Chang Zhaorui, from the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, in an interview with Xinhua.

Chang said the XAY.2 variant, a recombinant of Omicron variants BA.4 and BA.5 and the Delta variant AY.45, has been found in nine countries and regions. It has been on the rise since December 2022, but there is not enough data about its transmission, pathogenicity, and immune escape capability.

Currently, it is necessary to strengthen personal protection, said Chang. He suggested that inbound travelers should monitor their health conditions and seek medical treatment if they have COVID-related symptoms.