Surge in COVID-19 Cases and Hospitalizations Across Georgia, Colorado, and North Carolina

Cases of the new COVID variant, EG.5 or "ERIS," are increasing in Georgia, with about 16% of new cases in the state attributed to this variant. Medical experts suggest that rising temperatures may contribute to the spread of the virus, as people are forced indoors. Tift Regional Medical Center is seeing an uptick in outpatient COVID cases, and they encourage those testing positive to stay home, get tested, and follow safety protocols. While health professionals do not anticipate a massive surge in cases, they believe COVID-19 will become a recurring illness, similar to the flu.