What to know about XBB.1.16, a new Omicron variant on the WHO’s radar

What to know about XBB.1.16, a new Omicron variant on the WHO’s radar

1A health worker collects a swab sample for COVID-19 test on April 15 in Noida, India. (Getty Images)

There’s a new variant of the coronavirus that infectious disease experts and public health officials are keeping a close eye on. XBB.1.16, also known as Arcturus, is an Omicron subvariant that appears to be more transmissible and has fueled a recent surge of COVID-19 cases in India. While the variant is circulating at low levels in the U.S., health officials are closely monitoring it.