New Covid-19 variant in town: Are we ready to fight the old enemy in a new guise?

Just as the world began to feel a sense of stability after years of pandemic turbulence, the virus continued to evolve, producing new variants over time. Alarmingly, scientists have recently discovered a new coronavirus variant in China, named HKU5-CoV-2, which they say is only a small mutation away from being able to infect humans.

So, Covid-19, our old enemy returns in a new guise. But are we prepared enough to fight back?

Covid-19 first reached Bangladesh in 2020, and as of today, the total number of reported cases stands at 2,051,770. According to the Health Ministry, on 11 June, at least 15 people tested positive for Covid-19 out of 107 tested. On 10 June, 13 out of 101 people were found to be infected.

Since the onset of Covid-19, the average infection rate has been 13.5%. However, in the last 24 hours, the rate stands at 9.35%. These statistics highlight a serious public health concern related to Covid-19, not only for Bangladesh but also globally.

The virus, found in bats, belongs to the Merbecovirus group, which also includes MERS-CoV—the virus responsible for Middle East Respiratory Syndrome, known to have a fatality rate of around 35%. According to research from Washington State University, HKU5-CoV-2 can replicate in human gut and airway cells and may be capable of infecting a wider range of animals than Covid-19.

A slight alteration in its spike protein could allow it to bind to human ACE2 receptors, which are found in the mouth, nose, and throat, despite the fact that it does not currently infect human cells easily. Although the virus has not yet infected humans, researchers stress that it should be closely monitored due to its similarities to other dangerous coronaviruses and the potential risk of future zoonotic outbreaks.

Another new Covid-19 variant has emerged, known as NB.1.8.1—or more colloquially, Nimbus. This variant is causing concern among health experts due to its rapid spread and distinctive symptoms. While it has not yet triggered the kind of global alarm seen in early 2020, its emergence serves as a reminder that the virus is still evolving—and so must our response.

First detected in early 2025, the Nimbus variant is a sublineage of Omicron. What sets it apart is its higher transmissibility and a particularly painful sore throat, which many patients have described as feeling like 'razor blades' or 'glass shards.' While there is no evidence that Nimbus causes more severe illness or higher mortality compared to other Omicron variants, its ability to spread rapidly—even among vaccinated individuals—has led to a surge in cases across Asia, parts of Europe, and North America.

In some parts of Asia, Nimbus already accounts for more than 10% of recorded Covid-19 cases, according to data from the World Health Organization (WHO). The spread of Nimbus was largely responsible for a two-week surge in weekly cases in Singapore, which rose from 11,000 to over 14,000. In India, more than 100 confirmed cases have been tracked by local authorities—particularly in Delhi and Maharashtra—but officials believe the actual number is much higher due to limited testing.

Rising viral levels of Nimbus have also been detected in several U.S. cities. So far, there is no evidence that Nimbus causes higher hospitalisation or death rates. However, its enhanced ability to spread and partially evade immune responses means more people are likely to become ill—including vulnerable groups such as the elderly, immunocompromised individuals, and those with chronic conditions.

Why taking precautions matters

After more than four years of living through the Covid-19 pandemic, it's understandable that many people are tired of hearing about new variants. However, it's important to recognise that staying informed and taking reasonable precautions isn't about fear—it's about responsibility and resilience.

Infrastructural development and healthcare facilities are crucial  

Since the spread of Covid-19 back in 2020, we have come to know how our hospitals and medical facilities are suffering with the lack of supply of medicines, skilled professionals, professionalism, poor infrastructure, and so on. As a result, the casualties were high, and suffering was boundless. 

So, taking effective learning from the past, it is very important to keep our hospitals and medical facilities up to date with better treatment facilities and medical supplies. We need to train not only medical practitioners but also civil society. 

To do so, it is also important to raise consciousness by taking different kinds of effective measures, including training and transmission of proper information at every level of the society. We need to remove the stigma and taboos related to Covid-19 among all groups of people. 

Vaccination still saves lives

Vaccines continue to be our best defense against serious disease and death. Updated for 2024–2025, the current generation of Covid-19 vaccinations still provides robust protection against severe consequences. The revised booster lowers older persons' risk of hospitalisation by approximately 45% and their risk of ER visits by 33%, according to the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Your immunity gradually deteriorates, even if you have had prior Covid infections or immunisations. Those with underlying medical issues and those over 50 should pay particular attention to boosters. This is your chance to get your updated vaccination if you haven't already this year.

Masks are a simple, powerful tool

We are aware that masks are effective against Covid-19. Wearing a well-fitted N95 or KN95 mask in indoor public areas can lower the risk of transmission by 60–80%, according to numerous studies. Masking is still a prudent precaution during times of increasing instances, even if it may not be legally needed in many places anymore. This is especially true when attending crowded events, taking public transit, or entering medical facilities. Masking is a matter of civility, not paranoia. Wearing a mask protects individuals who are more susceptible, even if you are not personally concerned about getting sick.

Improve indoor air quality

The primary way that Covid-19 spreads is through the air, particularly in areas with inadequate ventilation. One of the most underappreciated yet very successful strategies to lower transmission is to improve air circulation. HEPA air purifiers, window openings, and proper HVAC maintenance can all have a significant impact. In addition to reducing Covid, workplaces, educational institutions, and public buildings should make investments in improved air filtration to stop the spread of other respiratory diseases like the flu and RSV.

Know the symptoms and act quickly

A rather bad sore throat is one of the most common symptoms of Nimbus. Don't ignore it if you wake up feeling as though you've swallowed glass, especially if you're also experiencing a dry cough, lethargy, or a moderate temperature. Do a quick antigen test even if it feels like a common cold. For your own health as well as to avoid spreading the infection to others, early testing is essential. Discuss antiviral medications like Paxlovid with your doctor as soon as possible if you test positive and belong to a high-risk group. These drugs can lower hospitalisation risk by up to 89% when used early.

Stay home when sick

Although it seems apparent, this is frequently disregarded. We have learned from the epidemic that pushing through school or work when ill is not brave; it is risky. Governments, businesses, and educational institutions must encourage people to stay at home when ill by providing remote work choices, flexible scheduling, and paid sick leave. An entire school or office can save weeks of sickness by taking a few days off.

Combating Covid-19 fatigue with facts

It makes sense that many individuals are sick of thinking about Covid. Moreover, over 60% of Americans reported feeling "mentally exhausted" by the pandemic, according to a Pew Research Centre survey done in late 2024. However, admitting weariness does not imply that the issue is being ignored. Small, scientifically supported actions can have a significant impact without interfering with day-to-day activities. 

You must remain vigilant, but you do not have to live in constant fear. This is a 2025 checklist for living with Covid: Update your vaccinations, wear a mask in crowded indoor areas, increase ventilation if you can, test when symptoms start, stay at home and isolate yourself if you're ill, show consideration for others who are more vulnerable, and, lastly, receive the appropriate medical care in a hospital setting.

Looking ahead: The new normal

Covid-19 and the tools we have created to combat it are not going away. Since the beginning of the pandemic, there has been a significant improvement in vaccines, diagnostics, treatments, and public awareness. Not denial or fear, but steady, group action is what we need right now. Government organisations need to make investments in public health infrastructure, keep an eye on emerging varieties like Nimbus, and encourage transparent, scientific communication. 

People should, however, feel free to adopt personal safety measures without fear of repercussions. It's not about ending life or reverting to lockdowns. It's about adjusting to a world where viruses like Covid, like influenza or other infectious diseases, are a part of life. 

The rise of the Nimbus variation and others is not a warning; rather, it is a wake-up call. It serves as a reminder that the infection is still spreading and changing. However, we are no longer helpless. We are aware of what works. We've got the equipment. And even as Covid continues to evolve, we may continue to live completely and safely provided we employ them properly—vaccination, masks, ventilation, testing, and therapies. Government policy is only one aspect of public health; personal accountability is also important. And the first step in doing so is to choose awareness over indifference and action over exhaustion.

We shouldn't wait for another tragedy to remind us of what we already know. Should we?

Dr Rasel Hussain is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Sociology at East West University, Bangladesh.

Mahmodul Hasan Shesheir is an Associate Researcher at Yale University, United States.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions and views of The Business Standard.