STRATUS by FACETOUCHER

ANOTHER SUBVARIANT, ANOTHER RELEASE

"This new subvariant is known as XFG (nicknamed “Stratus”) and the World Health Organization (WHO) designated it a “variant under monitoring” in late June. XFG is a subvariant of Omicron, of which there are now more than 1,000.

XFG is a recombinant of LF.7 and LP.8.1.2, both of which descendants of BA.2.86. These two subvariants have shared genetic material to come up with the new subvariant XFG. Recombinants are designated with an X at the start of their name.

XFG has four key mutations in the spike protein, a protein on the surface of SARS-CoV-2 which allows it to attach to our cells. Some are believed to enhance evasion by certain antibodies. This means the virus appears different enough that protection from past infection (and vaccination) doesn’t work so well. This is called immune evasion. This means the population becomes more susceptible and can lead to an increase in cases, and even a whole new wave of COVID infections across the world.

Early laboratory studies have suggested a nearly two-fold reduction in how well antibodies block the Stratus version of the virus compared to LP.8.1.1.

Some sources have reported XFG may be more likely to cause “hoarseness” or a scratchy or raspy voice. But we need more information to know if this association is truly significant."

COVID PLAYS IMPROVISED LUNGWAVE EXCLUSIVELY

CORONACORE

COVIDWAVE

PLAGUENOISE

improvised noises made at home with vocals and computerdrums and long feedback manipulations in order to somehow mark this monumental epoch in time through the cathartic process of making sound

another project by A DEMON SHEEN, created on Yowenjerre lands.