As the omicron surge continues to decline in the U.S., infectious disease experts are keeping a close eye on an even more contagious version of the variant that could once again foil the nation's hopes of getting back to normal. The virus, known as BA.2, is a strain of the highly contagious omicron variant that appears to spread even more easily — about 30% more easily.
OAKLAND, Calif. — Gov. Gavin Newsom rolled out a strategy Thursday for the "next phase" of managing COVID-19 in California that focuses more intently on early detection of variants, stockpiling high-quality masks and contracting with a manufacturer of at-home rapid tests.