Update on the SARS-CoV-2 clade distribution:

Analysis of clade distribution in the Republic of Korea indicate that GH clade, which was first identified in March 2020, was dominant until April 2021. G clade became dominant in May 2021.

① S in January 2020 → V from February to March 2020 → GH from April 2020 to April 2021 → G from May to June 2021

② Change in the distribution of SARS-CoV-2 clades in Korea:

- GH: Jan 2021, 85.3% → May 2021, 19.7%,

- G: Jan 2021, 1.2% → May 2021, 57.2%

The Alpha variant belongs to GRY clade; the Beta variant to GH clade; and the Delta variant to G clade.

The Delta variant makes up a very small proportion of the G clade SARS-CoV-2 detected in Korea.   

97.4% of the genotypes (B.1.619 & 620 lineages) that make up the G clade are not Variants of Concern or Variants of Interest designated by the WHO. There are no specific reports related to the virus characteristics such as transmissibility and immune evasion, and further research is in progress.