The head of the Microbiology Lab Dr. Andi Koraqi ruled out the chances of a new COVID-19 wave in Albania.

“We’re not expecting a new wave of outbreaks due to the BA1 and BA2 Omicron strains, given that they are very similar. It’s not a new variant. Those who had BA1 are protected from BA2. Therefore, experts believe that there won’t be a new wave”, the doctor said.

Dr. Koraqi asserted in an interview for Euronews Albania that although the new strains tend to be more highly transmittable, the virus has not gotten more aggressive.

“Unlike Delta, Omicron has mild symptoms. The BA2 variant is 30% more contagious than BA1, so it might become the dominant strain”, said Dr. Koraqi.

On Tuesday, the Experts Committee confirmed the presence of two new coronavirus strains in Albania, BA1 and BA2.