The Ministry of Health reported on Saturday that a person had tested positive for the Omicron XE variant. The XE variant is a combination of the BA.1 and BA.2 sub-variants. The ministry said in a statement that arrival of the XE variant was expected and that the health settings in place were appropriate. "We will probably continue to see five to 15 deaths a day for the foreseeable future," Prof Baker said. "The XE variant is a reminder of how connected we all are," Prof Baker said.

Source: Otago Daily Times April 24, 2022 20:12 UTC