COVID-19

WHO SARS-CoV-2 Variant Tracking

UPDATE: On 15 March 2023, WHO updated its tracking system and working definitions for variants of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, to better correspond to the current global variant landscape, to independently evaluate Omicron sublineages in circulation, and classify new variants more clearly when required.

With these changes factored in, Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Delta as well as the Omicron parent lineage (B.1.1.529) are considered previously circulating VOCs. WHO has now classified XBB.1.5 as a VOI. 

WHO emphasizes that these changes do not imply that the circulation of Omicron viruses no longer pose a threat to public health. Rather, the changes have been made in order to better identify additional or new threats over and above those posed by the current Omicron viruses in circulation.

NOTES: A VUM is de-escalated if its prevalence is <1% at the global level and in all WHO regions for 8 consecutive weeks.

^$ Excludes BA.2.86 sublineages listed here as VOIs.

* Excludes XBB sublineages already listed here as VOIs or VUMs

^# Excludes XBB.1.9.2 sublineages listed here as VOIs and VUMs

Currently circulating variants of concern (VOCs)

Last Updated: 15 March 2023

As of 15 March, 2023 there are no longer any WHO-designated Variants of Concern (VOC). All previous VOC, including Omicron (BA.1[B.1.1.529]) have been reclassified as previously circulating VOCs.

Currently circulating variants of interest (VOIs)

Last Updated: 3 May 2024

Currently circulating variants under monitoring (VUMs)

Last Updated: 3 May 2024