Is BA.5 Past Its Peak? COVID Deaths Drop 20% From Previous Week

Immunologists and scientists have been concerned about the latest COVID subvariant, BA.5. Data has shown that it is more contagious than previous strains and that it can not only get by antibodies created by vaccines, it can bypass even those gained by catching the actual virus.

In the early weeks of summer, cases of the virus have been rising, although hospitalizations have remained low. But spiking cases still prompted discussion of new mask mandates, and some big counties like Los Angeles are on pace to begin requiring people to wear...