Here's the latest variant picture for Hong Kong:

CH.1.1 "Orthrus" lineage (45%) appears to still be dominant, driving a wave of cases and deaths.

Recently it has been challenged by a sudden rise in the new BF.7.14 "Tarandos" lineage (36%). This is descended from the BA.5 lineage, and was first reported from China in November. I beleive this is the first significant spread of lineages out of China to other countries/territories. The sampling might not be random, e.g. targetting travellers from China.

BQ.1.1 "Cerberus" lineage (20-30%) is still present, but hasn't been dominant for some months now.

Recent samples look representative, up to 1 January.

#COVID19 #HongKong #CH_1_1 #Orthrus #BF_7_14 #Tarandos
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