Concerns are being raised over the potential of increased transmission of the coronavirus following a federal ruling that ended mandatory mask usage on public travel.
Much of the fear stems from the situation in the nation's Northeast region, where the BA.2 subvariant is fueling an uptick of cases in major cities — raising concerns that California could see a similar surge.
Dr. Eric Topol, director of the Scripps Research Translational Institute in La Jolla, says masks should still be worn, despite last week's federal ruling.
"We don't really have good ways, except for masks, to block or reduce transmission. So the best thing is to avoid any COVID infection, if possible," Topol said.
He joined Midday Edition on Wednesday with more on the state of the pandemic.
-
Alexander Nguyen/KPBSMore than 1,500 new cases were reported this week but health experts say vaccinations are keeping hospitalization rates down. -
Jeff Chiu APA federal judge’s decision to strike down a national mask mandate was met with cheers on some airplanes but also concern.
