Recent Updates

• August 19th: The CDC reported that COVID data indicates levels are steadily rising. WHO also stated that indicators are up in three of six regions.
• August 22nd: The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) awarded $1.4 billion for Project NextGen to support the development of future COVID-19 vaccines and therapeutics to help protect against COVID-19 for years to come.
• August 30th: The CDC released and updated a risk assessment that discusses a new COVID-19 variant, BA.2.86, that has been detected in samples from multiple countries, and 4 states in the U.S. This variant is notable because it has multiple genetic differences from previous versions of SARS-CoV-2, and it has been detected in several locations within a short amount of time. Based on current information, existing tests and medication used to detect and treat appear to be effective with this variant. CDC's current assessment is that the updated vaccine, available in mid September, will likely be effective at reducing severe disease and hospitalizations.