27/04/2023
Updates for COVID-19
Arcturus, also known as XBB. 1.16, is a subvariant of the Omicron variant of SARS-CoV-2. It was first identified in India in January 2023, and has since been found in over 30 countries. Arcturus is thought to be more transmissible than previous variants of Omicron, but there is no evidence that it is more severe. Symptoms of Arcturus are similar to those of other variants of COVID-19, and can include fever, cough, shortness of breath, fatigue, muscle aches, headache, sore throat, and loss of taste or smell.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has designated Arcturus as a "variant of interest". This means that it is being closely monitored by the WHO, as it has the potential to be more transmissible or severe than other variants. The WHO is currently working to gather more information about Arcturus, including its transmissibility, severity, and potential to evade immunity.
There are a number of things that you can do to protect yourself from Arcturus, including:
Get vaccinated and boosted. Vaccination is the best way to protect yourself from getting sick with COVID-19. If you are eligible for a booster shot, please get it as soon as possible.
Wear a mask in public indoor settings. Masks help to prevent the spread of respiratory droplets that can contain the virus.
Wash your hands often with soap and water. Handwashing helps to remove the virus from your hands.
Avoid close contact with people who are sick. If you are sick, stay home from work, school, and other activities to prevent spreading the virus to others.
Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze. Use a tissue or your elbow to cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze.
Clean and disinfect surfaces that are frequently touched. This helps to remove the virus from surfaces that could be contaminated.
If you have any questions or concerns about Arcturus, please contact your healthcare provider.
