US Faces Uncertain Fall COVID Outlook As Cases Rise, New Variants Spread

Cases are rising in the US, but it's unclear if new variants are driving the uptick or if it's part of the typical fall respiratory virus season. The variant picture is "messy" right now.
People at high risk should take precautions like getting vaccinated and wearing masks, but there's no evidence this season will be more severe than previous ones.
Vaccines don't last forever and the virus continues mutating, leading to reinfections and continued evolution of variants. New vaccines will target current strains.
Extreme lockdowns are unlikely given population immunity, but deaths and hospitalizations will rise as they do each flu season. The virus will likely become seasonal.
Individual precautions like masking, staying home when sick, and hand washing are recommended, along with staying up to date on vaccinations.

qz.com

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