Officials keeping on eye on COVID cases in Michiana

SOUTH BEND, Ind - Local health officials on both sides of the state line say there is no need to panic.

While current covid levels aren’t surging as high as when some of the other variants swept through in the past few years- cases are still on the rise with more hospitalizations now nationally than late June.

Right now-- a new subvariant called EG.5 is the primary strain that is making up the majority of covid cases in the U.S.

Symptoms of this variant include upper respiratory issues like sore throat, congestion and a runny nose.

The loss of taste and smell aren't as common with this new subvariant.

Berrien County Health Department Medical Director Dr. Rex Cabaltica says on a statewide level-- Michigan saw COVID-19 cases jump from less than 100 cases a week in July to about 200 cases a week currently.

He also adds it is a good idea to get back into the habit of taking precautions-- to avoid catching covid-- the flu-- or even a common cold.

“Go ahead and test if you are having symptoms. There are still a few at home tests and if you must be around them and you can't test. Face masks do work, I know that was really controversial, but it does seem to have some benefit. Of course, vaccines [are a precaution as well]. If you haven't been vaccinated go ahead and get the updated vaccine,” said Cabaltica.

Dr. Cabaltica recommends that you wait to get the new updated vaccine that will come out in about a months' time.