06/29/2021: Lab Update: SARS-CoV-2 Variant Classification Changes
Audience: Individuals Performing COVID-19 Testing
Level: Laboratory Update
On June 29, 2021, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced the following changes to the SARS-CoV-2 variant classifications:
- Downgrading B.1.427/B.1.429 (Epsilon) from variants of concern to variants of interest
- Downgrading variant of interest B.1.617
- Consolidating variant of interest B.1.526.1 with variant of interest B.1.526 (Iota)
The classification of a specific variant may change as new evidence emerges regarding its attributes. CDC and the SARS-CoV-2 Interagency Group continually review the available scientific evidence as well as the genomic surveillance data to assess the classification of variants.
For more information, please visit the SARS-CoV-2 Variant Classifications and Definitions page.
For questions, contact us at LOCS@cdc.gov.
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Laboratory Outreach Communication System | Division of Laboratory Systems (DLS)
Center for Surveillance, Epidemiology, and Laboratory Services (CSELS)
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)