COVID-19: Data

New Variants

Omicron Variant

Omicron remains the dominant variant in NYC, and the BA.2 and BA.2.12.1 sublineages now account for most of the cases in the city

We continue to track the spread of omicron and other variants on this page. Review our recent report on omicron and the Health Commissioner’s advisories on staying safe this winter.

Omicron Variant: NYC Report for January 13, 2022 (PDF)
Commissioner Advisory on COVID-19 Prevention During the Winter Surge in Cases (PDF, December 16)
Commissioner Advisory for All People to Wear Masks in Indoor Public Settings (PDF, November 29)
Historical variant data on GitHub

The data on this page show how variants of the virus that causes COVID-19 are spreading in NYC. Variants are versions of the virus with certain sets of mutations. Some variants may result in a COVID-19 infection that is easier to spread, more severe or able to avoid antibodies from vaccines or previous infections.

Currently, the omicron variant accounts for at least 99% of tested cases in NYC.

There are not enough data to draw firm conclusions yet about some of the properties of these variants. The Health Department will continue to investigate whether they are more likely to cause reinfections, increase disease severity or reduce the immunity from vaccine or previous infection.

Note: To help with reference, the World Health Organization (WHO) has assigned Greek letters to variants, such as delta (B.1.617.2) and omicron (B.1.1.529).

WHO: Tracking SARS-CoV-2 Variants

Spread of Variants in NYC

These charts show the percent and number of tested cases each week over the past three months that have the most common variants in New York City, including delta and omicron.

Back to the top

Variant Testing

These charts show the percent of NYC's confirmed COVID-19 cases that have been tested for virus variants and reported to the Health Department over the past three months, and the total number tested each week.

Back to the top

More Information

About the Data | Data Glossary | Download the Data

About Health Inequities in Data: Differences in health outcomes and vaccination coverage among racial and ethnic groups are due to long-term structural racism, not biological or personal traits.