A COVID-19 antigen home test kit showing a positive result, seen in New York, April 5, 2023. (AP Photo/Patrick Sison)
Coronavirus levels California wastewater The latest data showed it had reached “very high” levels for the first time since last winter. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
California was one of seven states with a “very high” level; the others were Arkansas, Florida, Maryland, Nevada, Oregon and Texas.
Los Angeles County, the nation’s most populous county, is also seeing elevated levels of coronavirus in wastewater.
The latest data for the 10 days up to June 29th is: County health departments; The county’s COVID-19 infection levels were 27% of what they were at their peak last winter, a significant increase from a data set through June 26 that showed the county’s infection levels were just 17%.
The average number of daily cases also increased, from 215 in the week ending June 26 to 307 in the week ending July 7.
Overall, coronavirus levels are rising across the country, signaling a continued expansion over the summer trend.
two The new COVID variant known as FLiRTThe new variant accounts for more than half of the recent increase in infections, and experts have concluded that while the newest variant is highly contagious, it does not cause more severe illness.
Here’s what you can do to protect yourself
vaccine
Doctors continue to urge people, especially those in high-risk groups, to consider getting the latest vaccination.
In California, just 36% of people 65 and older have received the latest vaccine doses, which first became available in September.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is recommending everyone aged 6 months or older get the first dose of the updated vaccine, and a second dose is also recommended for people aged 65 and older if it’s been at least four months since their last shot. LA Times.
test
COVID tests should be able to detect the FLiRT strain, said Scott Roberts, an infectious disease specialist at the Yale University School of Medicine.
Experts recommend that people who feel unwell get tested daily. Consider getting a rapid COVID test once a day for 3-5 consecutive days after symptoms begin. It is important to keep in mind that rapid COVID-19 tests may take some time to produce a positive result after symptoms begin.
What to do if you get sick
In their most recent guidelines, published in January, health officials still recommend that people who test positive for COVID-19 wear a mask, avoid contact with people at high risk of severe illness and seek medical attention if necessary.
As of January 9, people who tested positive for COVID-19 but had mild symptoms, were not taking medication, and had no fever:After one day of quarantine, you can return to school or work.
COVID-19 guidelines Found it here.
