Caught by surprise: How covid summer is affecting the D.C. region

The COVID-19 virus has seen a resurgence in the capital region, with cases rising amid the summer heat. Experts say the increase is predictable and fueled by people retreating indoors during the hottest temperatures in decades and traveling over school break, as well as the spread of variants that evade immunity from vaccines and previous infection. Despite the rise, the CDC advises treating COVID-19 like other common respiratory viruses, recommending isolation until symptoms improve or fever subsides for 24 hours, then wearing a mask for five days and testing before being around others indoors. Many residents are rethinking their approach to large events and travel, with some opting to wear masks again in crowded spaces. Experts note that there are more tools to prevent, treat and manage COVID-19 than any other respiratory virus, including wastewater monitoring, vaccines and the antiviral drug Paxlovid.