New COVID Variant BA.2.86 Detected in New York City’s Sewage: Health Department

People walk past a COVID-19 testing sign in the Manhattan borough of New York City on Jan. 20, 2022. Carlo Allegri/Reuters

The new BA.2.86 COVID-19 variant has been found in the sewage of New York City, according to the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene.

This variant could potentially cause infection in vaccinated people.