News > Covid: New BA.2.86 variant found in Scotland

Covid: New BA.2.86 variant found in Scotland

Scotland has detected its first case of, BA.2.86, Covid variant being closely monitored by WHO. The BA.2.86 variant is not yet considered a variant of concern but it has a high number of mutations. Genomic sequencing detected the variant from a PCR sample collected on 16 August. The BA.2.86 strain has already been found in several countries including Canada, Israel, and the US. The new variant was also found in wastewater testing in another NHS Health Board area.