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COVID-19 is on the upswing in California. How bad will it get this summer?
Los Angeles Times • • health
Key Points:
- COVID-19 cases are rising in California and several other U.S. states, with increases observed in test positivity rates, wastewater virus levels, and emergency room visits, though overall levels remain low.
- Health officials note that summer upticks in COVID-19 are typical, and while hospitalizations remain very low, they expect a possible increase in the coming weeks.
- Vaccination is strongly recommended for all individuals aged six months and older, especially high-risk groups such as infants, pregnant individuals, older adults, and immunocompromised persons, with updated vaccines available for the 2025-26 season.
- Globally, COVID activity remains generally low but with regional increases in parts of Latin America, Europe, Africa, and Asia, including rising cases in Taiwan and parts of East Asia.
- Despite a decline in COVID-related deaths since the pandemic’s peak, the virus continues to pose risks, particularly to vulnerable populations, and early treatment options like Paxlovid remain important for reducing illness severity.
