The Arcturus Covid-19 subvariant is spreading in Australia - but expert says it’s no cause for alarm

Health researchers say the Arcturus variant is more transmissible than other Omicron strains, but no evidence to suggest it is more severe

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Cases of a new subvariant of Omicron Covid-19 circulating in Australia are not a cause for alarm - but they are a reminder than coronavirus still isn't behind us, experts say.

The Arcturus subvariant - or XBB.1.16 as it is officially known - was designated a variant of interest by the World Health Organization in April after it was reported in 33 countries. The WHO has categorised the variant as low risk compared with other Omicron subvariants circulating in the community.

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