Seven states have seen their reproductive number above 1.2, indicating a high transmission rate of the virus. Louisiana tops the list with an Rt of 1.28, followed closely by Florida and Nevada. The uptick is also visible in wastewater, where SARS-CoV-2 concentrations have risen about 30% nationally, but at a steeper pace in the Gulf Coast region.
Public health officials warn that this trend suggests reported cases and hospitalizations could increase later this month. Virologists attribute the current rise to two Omicron variants: NB.1.8.1 (43%) and LP.8.1 (31%). The combination of scorching temperatures, summer travel, and waning immunity is creating conditions ripe for a modest summer wave.
To mitigate the spread, health officials stress the importance of quick treatment for high-risk groups and urge sick workers to stay home.
Source: https://dailyvoice.com/new-york/whiteplains/fueled-by-pair-of-highly-transmissible-variants-covid-19-cases-rising-in-these-states