Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations
News about coronavirus in Florida and around the world is constantly emerging. It's hard to stay on top of it all but Health News Florida can help. Our responsibility is to keep you informed, and to help discern what’s important for your family as you make what could be life-saving decisions.

No need to panic, but do be careful, as omicron subvariant spreads and people get infected

A health care worker gets her COVID-19 vaccine at Rhode Island Hospital in Providence, RI on Monday.
A health care worker gets her COVID-19 vaccine at Rhode Island Hospital in Providence, RI on Monday.

You may have a family member, friend or coworker who’s received a positive COVID-19 diagnosis lately because the BA.2 omicron subvariant is really contagious. Doctors aren't telling people to panic about it, but to take care and precautions.

Most cases of the coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) that causes COVID-19 in Florida are the omicron subvariant called BA.2.

You may have a family member, friend or coworker who’s tested positive lately, because it's really contagious. Still, doctors aren't telling people to panic about it, but to carry on with care and precautions.

WLRN is committed to providing South Florida with trusted news and information. As the pandemic continues, our mission is as vital as ever. Your support makes it possible. Please donate today. Thank you.

For instance, Jackson Memorial Hospital is not yet seeing a significant increase in the number of people being hospitalized for COVID-19. But some more people are needing care because they're sick with COVID-19. Some days ago, Jackson Memorial Hospital had about seven patients admitted to the hospital because of the disease.

"That number has increased to 15 — we hope it's not a trend. We've seen ups and downs," said Dr. Hany Atallah, the chief medical officer at the hospital. "It's still within that range where we're keeping a watchful eye on it."

Still, he thinks it's too early to relax all precautions. "If you’re going to a crowded venue, wear a mask," he said.

Atallah says the hospital continues to push for vaccinations against COVID-19 to prevent getting extremely sick. The vaccines cann ot prevent you from getting a coronavirus infection as vaccines don't have 100% protection. They will, however, be extremely effective in keeping you out of the intensive care unit.

If you do have COVID-19 and you're feeling out of breath, call a doctor or go to a hospital to get care.

In Miami-Dade County, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends wearing masks on public transportation , because the transmission risk is medium. In Broward and Palm Beach Counties, the risk is presently low.

Copyright 2022 WLRN 91.3 FM. To see more, visit WLRN 91.3 FM.

Verónica Zaragovia