COVID is rising again in the Bay Area. Here’s what’s different this time - San Francisco Chronicle

What the report says

The San Francisco Chronicle reports that COVID-19 transmission is rising again across the Bay Area, with wastewater monitoring showing increased virus levels at many sewage-treatment sites in recent weeks. The Chronicle, citing WastewaterSCAN data, said the regional trend has moved upward since late June, including sharp July increases at some plants, though readings differ by location.

The increase has not yet been matched by a major rise in severe disease. According to the Chronicle, California’s latest respiratory virus report still places Bay Area COVID wastewater levels and hospital admission rates in the “very low” range, while test positivity and respiratory illness-related medical visits remain low. Dr. Peter Chin-Hong, an infectious-disease specialist at UCSF, told the Chronicle that California is experiencing what has become a typical summer rise, but COVID hospitalizations remain low, including at UCSF.

The Chronicle noted that COVID’s current impact differs from earlier pandemic years because many people have protection from vaccination, prior infection or both. Omicron descendants continue to circulate, including XFG, which federal vaccine advisers recommended for the 2026-27 vaccine formula. The article says health agencies have not found evidence that recently tracked variants are causing more severe illness, but COVID can still lead to hospitalization, long-term symptoms or death, especially for higher-risk groups.

Chin-Hong identified adults over 75, pregnant people, severely immunocompromised people and very young children with little prior immunity as groups of concern. The Chronicle reported that California recommends vaccination for everyone 6 months and older, with extra emphasis on those at higher risk. Experts advised practical precautions such as testing, staying home when sick and masking in crowded indoor places, especially before contact with vulnerable people.