According to a news release from Austin Public Health, the latest Covid-19 subvariant, XBB.1.5, has been detected in Austin-Travis County. This new, “highly transmissible” variant, which “contains more mutations capable of evading immunity than any other variant,” is estimated to be responsible for 43 percent of Covid cases around the country. Staying up to date with the Covid vaccines and boosters is still the best way to protect yourself and your family from getting sick. Wearing face masks indoors when around groups of people is also recommended. You can order another round of free Covid test kits from the federal government. Use the CDC’s mask-finder tool to find free N95 masks at a pharmacy near you. APH’s next community vaccine event will be held this Wednesday, Jan. 18, from 2-6 p.m. at the University Hills Branch Library, 4721 Loyola Lane.
New subvariant comes to town
