The BA.5 version is causing another major wave of cases in the United States.

There are now 100,000 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in the United States every day and that pace has been steady for six weeks.

Erie News Now Contributor Dr. Becky Dawson told us, "I am concerned about our vulnerable populations, are unvaccinated friends and relatives."

Dawson also told Erie News Now, the booster shots are important at this stage, for people over 50 years-old.

"I get concerned when there are new hospitalizations. If you are going on vacation, you have to put your guard way up. If you have plans that can't be canceled, then again, you need to put your guard way up."

The State of New York just announced a new COVID-19 Hotline number for those who have tested positive, but don't have a Health Care Provider.

That number is 1-888-873-2869.

 

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