Health officials urge summer vacationers to take precautions as COVID-19 cases rise once again

(WWLP) – As the number of COVID-19 cases rise once again, health officials are urging summer vacationers to take precautions.

This comes as the CDC reported a rise in cases in 45 states with 26 of them categorized as “very high” or “high” risk. While Massachusetts has seen a moderate increase in cases other popular vacation spots like Connecticut, New Hampshire, and Maine are experiencing higher levels of infection. The CDC has identified omicron strains KP.2, KP.3 and LB.1 as the leading variants.

“Be prudent in terms of staying away or protecting yourself from a situation where there can be an increased transmission of COVID 19, and that is in very poorly ventilated areas, air conditioned room, particularly window type, air conditioned rooms where this can happen,” said Chief of Infectious Diseases at Baystate Health, Dr. Armando Paez.

The CDC said it will be releasing an updated vaccine this fall to target against this new variant.

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