The latest COVID-19 variant is here, Kansas City. And we all know what we have to do

The fast-spreading BA.5 coronavirus subvariant is now the dominant strain in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Locally, the risk of catching the latest mutation of COVID-19 is elevated in the Kansas City metropolitan area, according to the federal health agency, and local hospitals are once again reacting to rising case numbers

Heading into this week, positive COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations in the five-county region were at the highest since the omicron variant surge that began in November 2021, according to area health officials.

Last week, officials reported a total of 3,128 new cases in the metro area, according to data tracked by the Mid-America Regional Council. That was up sharply from the previous week’s 2,859 area cases.

People testing themselves at home are unlikely to report positive cases to health officials, unless they need to see a doctor. So the real case totals are likely anywhere from two to five times higher than what MARC data shows, experts say.

But we do know BA.5, an omicron offshoot and the most transmissible coronavirus variant to date, is spreading throughout the community at an alarming rate. And prior infection to COVID-19 doesn’t necessarily offer immunity from this variant either, according to the experts.

So that brings us back to something we’ve been talking about for more than two years: prevention. The CDC recommends a commonsense approach to slow the spread of BA.5.

Making sure you’re up to date on your vaccinations and booster shots will reduce the risk of severe disease, hospitalization or even death, according to the CDC. Using fitted, high-quality masks such as KN95s inside public places like grocery stores, and at crowded outdoor events such as ballgames and concerts, and practicing social distancing in high-risk areas and indoor gatherings are tried and tested guidelines.

If you feel sick, exhibit symptoms or test positive for COVID-19, you should isolate yourself and avoid travel at all costs. Exposed to an infected person? A five-day quarantine is the safest approach.

If you must dine out, wear a mask when not actively eating or drinking. Masking at youth sporting events and other kid activities with large crowds is also a good idea.

After more than two years of dealing with this pandemic, it’s obvious that people are tired of taking precautions. We understand. It’s hard to keep up with the peaks and valleys of this stubborn virus. We all want this to be over. But none of us wants to get sick or make others ill. And these are simple guidelines to follow.