Summary:
- The COVID-19 pandemic is surging again in California, driven by a new variant called "Stratus" that is related to the Omicron variant.
- This new Stratus variant is highly transmissible and is causing a rapid increase in COVID-19 cases across the state.
- Health officials are urging people to take precautions, such as wearing masks and getting vaccinated, to help slow the spread of this new variant and prevent further strain on the healthcare system.