The Facts
According to the latest estimates from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), EG.5, a new coronavirus variant, now accounts for the largest proportion of new COVID infections in the country.
EG.5, nicknamed Eris, had been circulating in the US since at least April, but the offshoot of the omicron variant now accounts for 17.3% of all COVID cases.
The Spin
Narrative A
Although there has been an increase in COVID cases, there is hope that EG.5 will not be as lethal as past variants because it comes after Americans have developed widespread immunity through vaccination programs. Most cases should be mild, though patients with health concerns should still take precautions.
Narrative B
Despite most people wanting to ignore it, COVID hasn't gone anywhere and new variants are constantly circulating. The spread of EG.5 has come along with a recent increase in hospitalizations — this should serve as a reminder that COVID is still a significant health threat and must be treated as such.