Harvard scientists give their read on recent COVID data from the U.S. and South Africa.

Subvariant is rising in the region, but no sign of dramatic surge in cases that other nations have experienced.

As Omicron rapidly recedes, some countries are seeing a new version of the variant, dubbed BA.2

With Omicron on the decline in some states, pandemic experts permit themselves hope, at least for the near term.

Experts say fast-spreading, less severe profile of Omicron is emerging as cases drop in South Africa but warn of challenging weeks ahead.

Early findings on immune escape and transmissibility, combined with danger posed by Delta, heighten urgency of vaccination, testing, other safety measures.

Harvard specialists say COVID-19 pills may cut hospitalizations and deaths and offer big boost to nations struggling with low vaccination rates.

Can the current crop of vaccines get us to herd immunity even if variants become widespread? A Harvard immunologist says yes.

Anthony Fauci predicted herd immunity by next fall and “normality” by 2021’s end, as long as enough people get vaccinated to bring the pandemic to an end.

The international forum “Global Perspectives on COVID-19,” co-sponsored by Harvard Medical School, cited the importance of strong, coordinated government response as a key to stopping the novel coronavirus’ spread.