All viruses mutate and it’s important to stay vigilant with treatment, care, and precautions.

Within the last few weeks, health officials have become concerned over a new highly contagious COVID variant that's rapidly spreading across New York State.

This new variant, XBB.1.5, has accounted for nearly half of all new COVID cases across the United States. In New York, 70 to 80 percent of all new COVID cases are from the most recent COVID variant, according to updated Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data. Per the CDC, this new variant is doubling across the United State every two weeks.

Early data has so far indicated that XBB.1.5 is able to spread more rapidly than other currently circulating variants. While it is still early to tell if there will be a significant change in the severity of the disease, Neighborhood Health Center reminds all Western New Yorkers to take precautions to protect themselves and their loved ones against this fast-moving strain by:

• Keeping up to date with COVID-19 vaccines and boosters (children 6 months of age and older).
• Regularly wash hands with hot soapy water for at least 20 seconds.
• Clean and disinfect common areas, objects, and surfaces.
• Cough and sneeze into a tissue or elbow.
• Wear a well-fitting, high-quality mask in public indoor spaces, when feeling unwell
• Get tested when if you are experiencing symptoms commonly associated with COVID-19 and the common flu.
• Stay home and follow the correct procedures if you are sick.

As a reminder, Neighborhood has COVID vaccines for ages 6 months and up! To schedule a vaccine or COVID test appointment, visit the patient portal at the top of the page or call 716-875-2904.