CORONAVIRUS/Expert predicts new wave of COVID subvariants to come, peak in March

Taipei, Jan. 18 (CNA) New COVID-19 subvariants will become dominant in Taiwan later this year, with a new wave most likely arriving and peaking in March, National Taiwan University College of Public Health professor Chen Hsiu-hsi (陳秀熙) projected Wednesday.
At a livestream where he and his research team lectured about "Science and COVID-19," Chen focused specifically on the new XBB.1.5 subvariant on Wednesday.
Nicknamed "Kraken" after the Norwegian mythological sea monster, the XBB.1.5 has been dubbed the most transmissible Omicron subvariant so far, Chen said.
The subvariant currently accounts for one-quarter of new infections in the United States, while the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control predicted that the XBB.1.5 would peak in Europe within the next two months.
Chen analyzed that Taiwan's current epidemic outbreak could peak around mid-January and would very likely start to decline from that point thanks to the herd immunity developed from the wave of Omicron BA.2 and BA.5 subvariants.
From his team's observation, Chen said, it looked like Taiwan could enjoy a relatively safe Lunar New Year holiday which runs from Jan. 20-29.
With efficient epidemic control measures, Taiwan may even be able to lower its COVID-19 restrictions after the holiday, Chen added, though the possibility is uncertain due to the opening of the borders making Taiwan susceptible to the XBB.1.5 and BQ.1 Omicron subvariants.
The expert cautioned that the subvariants could result in a new wave of infections that would likely peak in the beginning of March.
He explained that in addition to being highly contagious, XBB.1.5 could also avoid antigens, potentially creating challenges for Taiwan's medical system.
Chen went on to say that conversely, the subvariant could also expedite the development of Taiwan's herd immunity against the virus.
From researching the worldwide effect of the virus, Chen's research team further shared several strategic habits that the general public could abide by to safeguard themselves and their families.
For instance, individuals with weak immune systems should receive bivalent COVID-19 vaccines.
Moreover, masks should be worn in crowded areas and the government should introduce antigen rapid testing as soon as possible to better utilize Taiwan's medical resources.
- Taiwan reports 22,991 new COVID-19 cases, 73 deathsTaiwan on Sunday reported 22,991 new COVID-19 cases and 73 deaths from the disease, according to the Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC).02/05/2023 02:14 PM
- Taiwan reports 23,746 new COVID-19 cases, 79 deathsTaiwan reported 23,746 new COVID-19 cases and 79 deaths from the disease Saturday, according to the Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC).02/04/2023 02:46 PM
- 105 COVID-19 deaths, most since July 15, reported in TaiwanTaiwan on Friday reported 105 deaths attributable to COVID-19, the first time since mid-July 2022 that the single-day death toll exceeded 100, according to the Central Epidemic ...02/03/2023 03:16 PM
- Politics
Swiss lawmakers call for cross-Strait peace, economic pact with Taiwan
02/06/2023 01:15 PM - Culture
Fo Guang Shan founder Hsing Yun dies at 95
02/06/2023 12:08 PM - Sports
Taiwan's tennis duo beats Chinese rivals to clinch Thailand Open title
02/06/2023 11:43 AM - Society
Taiwan headline news
02/06/2023 10:26 AM - Business
U.S. dollar up in Taipei trading
02/06/2023 10:21 AM