What to Know About the New XBB.1.5 Variant
TimeAPR 2023
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.
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.