COVID-19 cases and Omicron variant causing concern among locals

With virus numbers increasing along with the Omicron variant spreading fast, locals in Yuma are concerned, but there could be good change on the way - 13 On Your Side's Luis Lopez reports

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) - March 2022 will mark two years since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. As for now people still have concerns, However, there could be a light at the end of the tunnel. COVID-19 cases continue to rise throughout the country, and the same is happening throughout Arizona. The Arizona Department of Health Services reporting over 5,600 new cases Thursday. That number, along with the rise of the omicron variant has some locals, like Elisa Rouse concerned.

“Actually yes, we’re very worried, things have not slowed down, I’m a pre-school teacher, and I deal with a lot of students and parents and yes this is kind of scary, and we’re trying to live as better as we can,” Rouse said.

Some think that the recent wave could continue. Sunset Health Chief Medical officer Dr. Ching Wang, says that he expects to see more cases in January. However, warmer temperatures could bring lower numbers.

“It’s the winter season, it favors respiratory infections, so I don’t expect it to die down until probably February when we start to warm up and get out of the winter,” Dr. Wang said.

In addition to warmer temps, high vaccination rates and the introduction of anti-viral pills could help lower numbers even further.