Trending
West Virginia's state Health Officer Dr. Matthew Christiansen said earlier this week that the state has not yet seen an increase in COVID hospitalizations as a result of the newest strains of the virus.
That doesn't mean it won't happen.
During a virtual briefing Wednesday, Christiansen said the state was averaging about 10 new hospitalizations per day.
Three new strains of COVID - called EG.5, FL.1.5.1 and BA.2.86 - have been identified in recent weeks.
We don't yet fully know how these strains will affect our nation and its people.
There have been discussions in some circles about returning to some of the mandates used during the initial waves of COVID in 2020. That is probably still premature until more information is known, and could very well end up being unnecessary.
But, we can all still do our part by taking regular personal precautions.
By covering our mouths and noses when we cough or sneeze, washing our hands regularly and taking other measures, such as staying home when sick and seeking medical care when needed, we each can do something to prevent the spread of COVID, and any other virus for that matter.
These are precautions we've been taught since we were children, and there's a reason they continue to be used.