In late 2021, the Omicron variant of the SARS-Cov-2 virus that causes COVID-19 swept the globe. In 2022, Omicron continues to be dominant and it has also become known for its subvariants, from BA.1 – BA.5.

While all variants have subvariants, this guide highlights why some of the Omicron subvariants have been in the news, or why they have significance, for example BA.2.12.1, which means it is is the 12th lineage to branch off from BA.2.

This is an update to the Reporting on Omicron guide we released earlier in 2022