COVID Isn’t Finished With Us Yet, Even If We Think We Are

It’s no illusion if you’ve noticed an abrupt increase in COVID cases among people around you, even after over three years since the pandemic began and more than three months after the pandemic public health emergency ended. According to the New York Times, COVID hospitalizations have risen by 24% in the two weeks leading up to August 12, as reported by the CDC. Recent outbreaks have been observed in preschools, camps, and offices. While public health officials assure that the increase is relatively minor compared to previous years, most individuals who contract COVID experience mild symptoms similar to a cold or the flu. However, the paper warns that this current wave serves as a reminder that we haven’t completely moved beyond the virus, challenging the notion of a virus-free “New Normal.” For further updates on the latest developments in the coronavirus evolution, continue reading:

• Various variants: Experts attribute the surge in cases to the EG.5.1 variant, also known as “Eris,” which descended from omicron (more details here), according to WVIT. Additionally, they are monitoring the emergence of the BA.2.86 variant, a.k.a. “pirola,” which is currently associated with only a few individuals. The Wall Street Journal highlights the concern surrounding this variant due to over 30 mutations on the spike protein, the mechanism that facilitates viral entry into cells and causes infection. This implies that it may have increased resistance against current vaccines and previous infections, and might not align well with the upcoming fall booster that is anticipated to be approved soon.