(VOVWORLD) - The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) has de-escalated BA.2, BA.4 and BA.5 from its list of SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern (VOC), as these parental lineages are no longer circulating.
ECDC will continue to categorize and report on specific SARS-CoV-2 sub-lineages in circulation that are relevant to the epidemiological situation in Europe.
The absence of SARS-CoV-2 variants categorized as "of concern" reflects the current stable situation in the EU and the European Economic Area, the ECDC said but emphasized that it does not signal the end of the threat posed by SARS-CoV-2 and possible future variants that may emerge.
The center encouraged countries to remain vigilant by reinforcing their surveillance systems, sequencing capacities, and reporting practices. People are recommended to maintain hygiene measures and get vaccinated against COVID-19, according to the center.