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What to Know About the New XBB.1.5 Variant
TimeDec 26, 2022
The Facts
According to recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a new omicron subvariant has taken hold in the US. The so-called "XBB.1.5" has raised concerns about a new wave of COVID cases following the holiday season.
The CDC estimates that XBB.1.5 rose from 4% to 41% of new infections in the US in December and now accounts for 75% of new cases in the northeast region of the country.
The Spin
Pro-establishment narrative
When surveying emerging COVID threats, China's surging infection rates are at the epicenter of the greatest risk. There’s no need to panic, but testing at least a random sampling of passengers on flights originating in China is prudent. This will help to keep track of new variants and keep US mitigation measures reasonable.
Establishment-critical narrative
It’s important to remain concerned about rising COVID cases in China, but the XBB.1.5 variant is a "homegrown" and immediate threat in the US. It’s ironic that while many are focusing on China, the worst variant the world is facing right now came from the US. Now is a time for taking serious public health action rather than blaming other nations.
