Experts Discuss COVID-19 Testing, Guidelines As Infection Rates Rise Amid New Variants

NBC News (7/24, Edwards, Syal) reports that COVID-19 rates continue to increase across the United States, driven by the highly contagious KP.2, KP.3, and LB.1 variants. As of July 18, the highest infection levels are in Western states, with 21 states experiencing very high levels, according to CDC wastewater data. Experts emphasize the importance of paying attention to symptoms due to reduced testing. The CDC advises that individuals can resume normal activities 24 hours after symptoms improve and fever subsides. Epidemiologist Michael Mina recommends testing on the third day after symptoms begin and advises assuming infectiousness for five days post-positive test.