Department of Health confirms newest covid-19 strain has been reported in Arkansas

Arkansas health officials are watching as some cases of the newest covid-19 omicron variant, XBB.1.5, have been confirmed in the state. As of Wednesday, data doesn't show the variant as the dominant strain and covid-19 cases, which were increasing during and after the holidays, are starting to plateau, Dr. Joel Tumlison, Arkansas Department of Health medical director for immunizations, said. "Within maybe four weeks it will be the predominant strain in Arkansas but we might have to wait and see how that develops," Tumlison said. He said it could spread...