Fri Jun 20 07:40:00 UTC 2025: **California Sees Rise in COVID-19 Cases Amid New Subvariant and Vaccine Policy Concerns**
LOS ANGELES – California is experiencing a resurgence of COVID-19 cases, fueled by the emergence of the highly contagious Nimbus subvariant (NB.1.8.1), a strain known in other countries for causing severe sore throats described as “razor blade throat,” up from 2% in April to 55% this month. The state’s coronavirus test positivity rate has also increased, reaching 2.8% compared to a seasonal low of 1.1% in March.
Health officials are monitoring the situation closely, noting elevated coronavirus levels in wastewater in several regions, particularly in Southern California. While viral concentrations remain relatively low in Los Angeles County, wastewater analysis reveals a 13% increase in viral levels, and surveillance tests are showing a slight increase in positive results.
This uptick in COVID-19 activity coincides with concerns regarding potential changes to federal vaccine policies under the Trump administration. Recent actions, including the firing of the CDC’s vaccine advisory committee and the weakening of vaccine recommendations for healthy children and pregnant women, have drawn criticism from medical organizations and state health officials.
Experts warn that these changes could make it more difficult and expensive for Americans to access COVID-19 vaccines and other crucial immunizations. Concerns have been raised over the integrity of the new federal vaccine recommendations and the potential for misinformation to influence decisions regarding vaccine schedules.
California, along with Oregon and Washington, have issued statements condemning the dismissal of the vaccine advisors and reaffirming their commitment to ensuring access to COVID-19 vaccines for all individuals aged 6 months and older, emphasizing the protection of high-risk groups.
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