Virus: New Variant Taking Over

COLUMBUS, Ohio (News Talk 1480 WHBC) – The CDC says 40-percent of current coronavirus cases are the new variant XBB-1.5.

It has spread at an even higher rate in the Northeast.

Cleveland Clinic Microbiologist Doctor Dan Rhoads says even having the virus already or keeping updated with the latest injections may not keep the new variant at bay, but both are helpful in avoiding serious cases of COVID.

Doctor Rhoads says it’s too soon to say whether this new strain is more deadly.

Stark County cases were up significantly from the previous week’s report.