As key COVID-19 metrics increase in North Carolina and the U.S. due to the BA.5 variant, Governor Roy Cooper is reminding North Carolinians to stay prepared by being up to date on vaccines and boosters, having a supply of tests and seeking treatment if they test positive.Consistent with trends seen in data from the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, BA.5 is now the most common variant, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has labeled 41 of North Carolina’s counties as high COVID-19 Community levels. This variant is causing repeat infections, even in those who have recent past infections from other variants, and infections in people who are vaccinated. Vaccines remain highly effective in preventing severe outcomes including hospitalization and death from COVID-19.
“While Covid variants continue to infect people, we have the tools to protect ourselves from the most serious effects of this virus,” Gov. Cooper said. “Get vaccinated and boosted, wear a mask indoors in crowds if you believe you need better protection and if you become infected, talk with a health professional quickly about effective treatments like Paxlovid. Cases are on the rise with this latest BA.5 variant so I encourage all North Carolinians to know their risk and ta …
