Much of the rise in cases has been caused by new strains of the virus, known as FLiRT variants

This story originally was published in the Warwick Beacon, a publication partner of Ocean State Stories.

PROVIDENCE — Though the COVID-19 pandemic is firmly in the rear view mirror, the disease is still affecting many, and cases are rising in Rhode Island once again.

Data from the Rhode Island Department of Health shows that Rhode Island’s COVID rate is at its highest point this year since peaking in January and is still currently rising. As of July 24, wastewater monitoring detected 92 cases of COVID-19 out of 10,000 wastewater samples.

Much of the rise in cases has been caused by new strains of the virus, known as FLiRT variants. FLiRT variants, according to Johns Hopkins University, are descended from the Omicron variant that caused a significant breakout in late 2021 and early 2022.

Though the hospitalization rate is higher now than it has been since the winter, Department of Health Public Information Officer Joseph Wendelken said that at the moment, RIDoH is not concerned about Kent Hospital or any other hospital in the state running out of beds. Currently, only 38 people are hospitalized due to COVID statewide, according to RIDoH’s data.

Another difference between this and other post-pandemic COVID waves is that similar rises are not being reported in flu and RSV cases statewide.

Wendelken said that the bump not being in the middle of flu season means that the current uptick in cases should not cause as much stress to the healthcare system as previous rises.

“Hospitals in Rhode Island are always busy in terms of respiratory viruses, but we don’t really see flu peaking until closer to New Year’s,” Wendelken said.

In order to stay safe, Wendelken stressed the importance of isolating if you test positive for COVID so as not to infect others and washing your hands, as well as receiving up-to-date booster shots.

Only 18% of Rhode Islanders, according to RIDoH data, have received the most recent COVID booster. Wendelken noted that booster shots are critical to protect against COVID.

“Getting vaccinated is one of the most important things that you can do,” Wendelken said. “It’s really about layered protection.”

Anyone who gets seriously sick can take Paxlovid to relieve symptoms, but Wendelken said that they will have to act fast in order for Paxlovid to have an effect.

“Those have to be started soon within 5-7 days after COVID appears,” Wendelken said. “[Those people are going to] want to get in contact with a healthcare professional as soon as possible.”

Wendelken said that he hopes the bump in COVID cases subsides soon and that RIDoH projections are showing that they likely will in mid-August.

In order for that to happen, he recommends that residents get their COVID booster at their regular pharmacy.

“We’re really at the point now where the COVID vaccine is available where a lot of other regular vaccines are,” Wendelken said. “The most convenient way for many people is to make an appointment with their pharmacies for the booster.”