U.S. experts warn that a highly contagious variant of Covid Omicron, known as BA.2, is emerging and could lead to an increase in domestic coronavirus infections.

Chief medical advisor to the White House Dr. Anthony Fauci stated that BA.2 can be 50%-60% more transmittable than Omicron but is not more serious. Officials continue to emphasize that coronavirus boosters and vaccines are the best way to protect yourself from serious illnesses caused by the virus.

Fauci stated, “It has increased transmission capacity.” Sunday on ABC’s “This Week.”However, the severity of these cases is not apparent and does not seem to make it difficult to receive immune response vaccines.

China already has an increasing number of cases due to this variant. parts of Europe. Fauci indicated that the variant could account for as much as 25%, 30%, or all of the new U.S. cases.

Fauci indicated that although he anticipates an increase in the number of cases due to BA.2, it will not be as dramatic as some other variants. This is despite mask recommendations being relaxed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for most Americans.

U.S. U.S. PfizerOn Sunday, he also spoke out about BA.2 with a former Head of Food and Drug Administration.

Murthy warned that this variant might cause new cases. However, he said that it is possible for the country to be in a stronger position than the past two years. Covid-19 has “defined our lives.”

Murthy declared, “We ought to be prepared. Covid isn’t going away.” during “Fox News Sunday.”Our focus should be on preparation and not panic.

Gottlieb said, in keeping with previous statements to CNBC days earlier, that he expects some uptick due to BA.2, but not a large wave of infection.

“I believe we’ll continue to see low levels infection throughout the summer,” Gottlieb said Sunday. Gottlieb indicated that before this happens, there will be some infection. during CBS’s “Face the Nation.”

Over 31,200 Covid-19 deaths were reported Saturday by the CDC. They are both significantly lower than at the start of the year.

Disclosure: Scott Gottlieb contributes to CNBC and serves on the boards of Pfizer Genetic Testing Start-up Tempus and Aetion. Illumina is a biotech company. As co-chair, Gottlieb is also a member of the Royal Caribbean’s Healthy Sail Panel and Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings.