With a new omicron subvariant on the scene the present and future of COVID-19 may look a little different.

According to data released Tuesday by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, BA.5 now comprises most of U.S. COVID-19 cases; but as of June 22, daily new cases decreased by almost 6 % compared to the previous week.

Although new hospital admissions have increased by 1 % in the past week, COVID-19 related deaths have decreased by more than 10 %.

Researchers are finding that COVID-19 will transition to endemic status possibly within two years.

Dr. John Goldman, an infectious disease specialist at UPMC, appears on Thursday’s Smart Talk to discuss the current status of the pandemic and what the future looks like for COVID.

Learn more:

New omicron subvariant BA.5 now a majority of US COVID-19 cases | The Hill

For COVID-19, endemic stage could be two years away | YaleNews

COVID Data Tracker Weekly Review | CDC

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