The new COVID-19 variant BF.7 has spread to more provinces in China.

Since Sept. 28 when Hohhot, capital of northwest China’s Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, reported its first infection triggered by BF.7, many cities have detected the variant, including Yantai in Shandong Province, Ulanhot in Inner Mongolia, and Shaoguan in Guangdong Province.

The variant BF.7 is more contagious and resistant to immunity, making prevention and control more difficult.

Studies show that BF.7 may be the variant with the strongest immunity evasion capability so far, and experts say it is expected to be the dominant variant this winter.

The Chinese mainland reported 491 new local and 1,758 asymptomatic cases on Monday.