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TAMPA, Fla. - The United States is witnessing a concerning rise in COVID-19 cases, prompting health officials to urge caution. As new variants and summer travel contribute to the surge, experts are advising the public to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions.

Dr. Jill Roberts from the USF College of Public Health sounded the alarm, stating, "Don't sleep on COVID right now." The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that after months of decline, there has been an increase in COVID-19 test positivity. Roberts noted that key metrics, such as case positivity and emergency department visits, are trending upwards once again.

An alarming figure from the CDC reveals that emergency room visits for COVID-19 are now at their highest since the winter. Dr. Timothy Hendrix, medical director for AdventHealth Centra Care Urgent Care, shared, "In the last month at Centra Care, we've seen a three-fold increase in the number of patients testing positive for COVID."

According to the latest projections, the FLiRT variants KP.2 and KP.3 account for approximately 61.3% of new COVID-19 cases. Additionally, a new mutation known as LB.1 is gaining traction across the nation, representing about 14.9% of new cases. In Florida, the CDC is closely monitoring "very high" levels of COVID-19 virus in the wastewater.

Hendrix attributed the rise in cases to multiple factors, including the presence of new variants and recent Fourth of July holiday celebrations. "The pattern that we usually see is if there's a new variant out there and a holiday, we will see an increase in cases," explained Hendrix. Dr. Roberts further added that heat warnings can have an impact, as they cause people to seek indoor settings, leading to increased transmission.

With the summer travel season expected to break records, health officials predict that the number of COVID-19 cases is likely to grow. "As schools are getting out up north and in the Midwest and out west, and we're getting tourism coming to Florida, we do anticipate that we will likely see a rise in our COVID numbers," warned Dr. Lisa Cronin, a pediatrician at Children's Medical Center.

In light of the situation, medical professionals are urging individuals experiencing COVID-19 symptoms to take a test and stay home to limit the spread. Fortunately, even expired home tests are still likely to work, as the FDA often extends their expiration dates. However, experts advise users to pay attention to the control line. If the control line indicates a positive result, the test is likely valid.

As the nation battles this latest surge in COVID-19 cases, it is crucial for everyone to remain vigilant, practice preventive measures, and prioritize public health guidelines.