Summer COVID Surge Hits California
As the summer heat rises, so do COVID cases in the Bay Area and across California. The latest data shows worrisome trends, with high levels of the virus detected in cities like San Jose and communities around the region.
Wastewater analysis in San Jose nearly set a new record for COVID levels this week, coming close to the peak seen during the Omicron surge earlier this year. Similar trends are being seen in other areas like Palo Alto, Sunnyvale, and Gilroy.
Statewide, the positivity rate for COVID tests has more than doubled since June, raising concerns about the current surge. However, health experts emphasize that the virus is not as deadly as before, thanks to the availability of vaccines and treatments.
While the overall risk has decreased for most people, those at high risk are urged to take precautions, including getting vaccinated and considering booster shots. Health professionals are closely monitoring the situation and advising the public to stay informed and protected.
Vocabulary List:
- Surge /sɜːrdʒ/ (noun): A sudden increase or rise particularly in regard to levels or amounts.
- Positivity /ˌpɒzɪˈtɪvɪti/ (noun): The quality or state of being positive; in medical terms the rate of test results that are positive for a disease.
- Precautions /prɪˈkɔːʃənz/ (noun): Measures taken in advance to prevent something dangerous unpleasant or inconvenient from happening.
- Monitoring /ˈmɒnɪtərɪŋ/ (verb): Observing and checking the progress or quality of something over a period of time.
- Worrisome /ˈwɜːrɪsəm/ (adjective): Causing concern or anxiety.
- Availability /əˌveɪləˈbɪləti/ (noun): The state of being able to be used or obtained.
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