As has been the case with previous newcomers in the Omicron lineage, it seems highly unlikely that the hyper-mutated BA.2.86 variant will trigger more severe illness. However, it’s not yet clear if it will be more infectious.
Cardiologist and researcher Eric Topol, quoted in this summary article in New York Magazine, says SARS-COV-2 will be with us indefinitely:
“Even if BA.2.86 doesn’t pose a real threat by virtue of low transmission, or its further evolution proves to be relatively benign, the fact that the inexorable evolution of the virus continues — to find new hosts and repeat hosts — cannot be ignored. If this isn’t “the one,” it ought to signify that “the one” is still yet to come. If it never shows up, that’s great. But you sure don’t want to bet on that.”