Tuesday, March 24, 2026

COVID cases on the rise in Southern California due to contagious FLiRT variant

A recent surge in COVID-19 cases in Southern California has experts concerned, as many residents have become lax in following safety protocols. Tracey Benson, a caregiver from Inglewood, stresses the importance of remaining vigilant to protect her mother’s health. The spread of the FLiRT variant, which is 20% more contagious but less severe, is a cause for alarm according to infectious disease specialist Dr. Suman Radhakrishna.

California’s wastewater has shown high levels of COVID, and cases and hospitalizations have spiked in the past month. Dr. Radhakrishna reminds the public to learn from past mistakes and take necessary precautions, like testing and isolating if exposed.

Vaccination remains the best defense against the virus, especially for vulnerable populations. Benson urges everyone to follow safety measures and get vaccinated to protect not only themselves, but their loved ones as well.

As summer continues, it is crucial to prioritize health and safety to prevent further spread of the virus. Dr. Radhakrishna emphasizes the importance of staying proactive in the fight against COVID-19.

Test Your Understanding

Start Quiz

Vocabulary List:
6 words · tap to reveal
ON

AccentSpeed

Surge/sɜrdʒ/noun
A sudden and powerful increase.

Vigilant/ˈvɪdʒɪlənt/adjective
Keeping careful watch for possible danger or difficulties.

Contagious/kənˈteɪdʒəs/adjective
Capable of being transmitted from person to person.

Precaution/prɪˈkɔːʃən/noun
A measure taken in advance to prevent something dangerous or unpleasant from happening.

Isolating/ˌaɪsəˈleɪtɪŋ/verb
Setting apart from others; to separate.

Proactive/proʊˈæktɪv/adjective
Creating or controlling a situation rather than just responding to it after it has happened.

How much do you know?

Who stresses the importance of remaining vigilant to protect her mother's health?
Tracey Benson
Dr. Suman Radhakrishna
Infectious disease specialists
California residents
What is the FLiRT variant known for?
Being less contagious
Being more severe
Being less severe but more contagious
Being vaccine-resistant
What has California's wastewater shown in high levels?
COVID vaccination rates
COVID-19 cases
Flu cases
Hospitalizations
Who emphasizes the importance of getting vaccinated to protect vulnerable populations?
Tracey Benson
Dr. Suman Radhakrishna
Infectious disease specialists
California residents
What is crucial to prioritize as summer continues to prevent further spread of the virus?
Social gatherings
Health and safety
Traveling abroad
Economic recovery
Who stresses the importance of staying proactive in the fight against COVID-19?
Tracey Benson
Dr. Suman Radhakrishna
Infectious disease specialists
California residents
This question is required

Test Your Understanding

Start Quiz
Vocabulary List:
6 words · tap to reveal
ON
AccentSpeed
Surge/sɜrdʒ/noun
A sudden and powerful increase.
Vigilant/ˈvɪdʒɪlənt/adjective
Keeping careful watch for possible danger or difficulties.
Contagious/kənˈteɪdʒəs/adjective
Capable of being transmitted from person to person.
Precaution/prɪˈkɔːʃən/noun
A measure taken in advance to prevent something dangerous or unpleasant from happening.
Isolating/ˌaɪsəˈleɪtɪŋ/verb
Setting apart from others; to separate.
Proactive/proʊˈæktɪv/adjective
Creating or controlling a situation rather than just responding to it after it has happened.

How much do you know?

Who stresses the importance of remaining vigilant to protect her mother's health?
Tracey Benson
Dr. Suman Radhakrishna
Infectious disease specialists
California residents
What is the FLiRT variant known for?
Being less contagious
Being more severe
Being less severe but more contagious
Being vaccine-resistant
What has California's wastewater shown in high levels?
COVID vaccination rates
COVID-19 cases
Flu cases
Hospitalizations
Who emphasizes the importance of getting vaccinated to protect vulnerable populations?
Tracey Benson
Dr. Suman Radhakrishna
Infectious disease specialists
California residents
What is crucial to prioritize as summer continues to prevent further spread of the virus?
Social gatherings
Health and safety
Traveling abroad
Economic recovery
Who stresses the importance of staying proactive in the fight against COVID-19?
Tracey Benson
Dr. Suman Radhakrishna
Infectious disease specialists
California residents
This question is required

Read More