Evolved sub-variant of Omicron was found in cases detected in Yantai, East Chinas Shandong Province. The new variant has never been detected in the Chinese mainland before.

The newly found sub-variant was identified as evolved sublineage of Omicrons BA.2 mutation, which was never found in the Chinese mainland before, China Central Television reported.

The new variant was proved to be more contagious with a shorter incubation period.

It was found in cases in Yantai, Shandong, where 36 confirmed COVID-19 cases, along with 34 silent carriers were reported for Sunday. The genetic sequencing shows that 16 cases belong to the same transmission chain, and was caused by this evolved variant.

Yantai has recorded increasing number of cases in recent days. Most of the citys cases were found in quarantine centers. The city vowed to quickly stamp out all transmission, and to eliminate viral transmission within communities as soon as possible.

Global Times