Richmond, Va. (Newsradiowrva.com) - COVID-19 cases in Virginia have more than doubled over the past month, according to recent reports from state health officials.
The spike in cases is attributed to a combination of extreme summer heat and the emergence of a new, rapidly mutating variant known as FLiRT.
According to data from the Virginia Department of Health (VDH), there were 638 recorded cases as of June 8. By July 6, the number had grown to 1,247. Health officials say the intense summer heat has forced many people to stay indoors in air conditioned spaces, thus inadvertently facilitating the spread of the virus.
Given that COVID-19 mutates often, health experts say it’s important to stay up-to-date on vaccinations, practice good hygiene, and ensure clean air in indoor environments. Efforts to combat the spread are continuing, and a new vaccine targeting the FLiRT variant is expected to released in early fall.
