New omicron variant pushing COVID-19 numbers higher
New omicron variant pushing COVID-19 numbers higher WLWT Cincinnati


A sudden increase in COVID-19 cases is being reported as the latest variant pushes through the region. “Seems like the current wave of infections is due to this omicron BA.5 sub variant which is really highly infectious,” said TriHealth infectious disease expert Dr. Stephen Blatt.The increased numbers come despite warm temperatures and outdoor activities. “Right now in our community, we’re seeing the BA.5 variant spread very quickly and lots of folks getting sick,” said Hamilton County Health commissioner Greg Kesterman.Kesterman said about 200 new cases are being reported every day in Hamilton County. However, that’s only estimated to be a fraction of the actual number because fewer people are reporting cases.Even at that, Kesterman said the numbers are important to monitor.“It’s really a good indication, when we see those peaks that we’re seeing COVID spread throughout our community,” Kesterman said.The most important numbers are hospitalizations. Those are beginning to rise too. About 125 people are hospitalized with COVID-19 around the region, but that’s nowhere close to the 1000 or so that were hospitalized in January.“So, even though a lot of people in the community are ill, it’s not leading to a lot of hospitalizations,” Blatt said.It’s important for those with compromised immune systems or who are planning events like weddings or vacations to understand what’s happening in the community.Figuring out what happens with COVID-19 this fall may be more difficult.“This virus has been very tricky and unpredictable and I’m afraid it will continue to be this way,” Blatt said.
A sudden increase in COVID-19 cases is being reported as the latest variant pushes through the region.
“Seems like the current wave of infections is due to this omicron BA.5 sub variant which is really highly infectious,” said TriHealth infectious disease expert Dr. Stephen Blatt.
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The increased numbers come despite warm temperatures and outdoor activities.
“Right now in our community, we’re seeing the BA.5 variant spread very quickly and lots of folks getting sick,” said Hamilton County Health commissioner Greg Kesterman.
Kesterman said about 200 new cases are being reported every day in Hamilton County. However, that’s only estimated to be a fraction of the actual number because fewer people are reporting cases.
Even at that, Kesterman said the numbers are important to monitor.
“It’s really a good indication, when we see those peaks that we’re seeing COVID spread throughout our community,” Kesterman said.
The most important numbers are hospitalizations. Those are beginning to rise too. About 125 people are hospitalized with COVID-19 around the region, but that’s nowhere close to the 1000 or so that were hospitalized in January.
“So, even though a lot of people in the community are ill, it’s not leading to a lot of hospitalizations,” Blatt said.
It’s important for those with compromised immune systems or who are planning events like weddings or vacations to understand what’s happening in the community.
Figuring out what happens with COVID-19 this fall may be more difficult.
“This virus has been very tricky and unpredictable and I’m afraid it will continue to be this way,” Blatt said.