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At least 4 killed in Oklahoma tornado outbreak; 10 shot outside Florida bar; AZ receives millions of dollars for solar investments; Maine prepares young people for climate change-related jobs, activism; Feds: Grocery chain profits soared during and after a pandemic.

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Ukraine receives much-needed U.S. aid, though it's just getting started. Protesting college students are up in arms about pro-Israel stances. And, end-of-life care advocates stand up for minors' gender-affirming care in Montana.

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More rural working-age people are dying young compared to their urban counterparts, the internet was a lifesaver for rural students during the pandemic but the connection has been broken for many, and conservationists believe a new rule governing public lands will protect them for future generations.

Omicron Subvariant Could Fuel Next AZ COVID Surge

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Friday, January 13, 2023   

The newest Omicron subvariant could be the reason Arizona starts to see COVID-19 cases rise again.

The Arizona Department of Health Services reported more than 7,000 new cases in the state last week. The week before, it was about 5,000.

Public health officials are concerned the latest subvariant, known as XBB.1.5, could fuel a new surge in cases.

For Martiza Cota, a volunteer at a vaccination clinic in Nogales, it's personal. She lost her mom to COVID in November, who contracted the virus in the hospital. The Hispanic Access Foundation has provided grants to churches, like hers, which have opened their doors for those at the Arizona-Mexico border who want to be vaccinated.

"One of the recommendations that we do to get vaccinated is that it's protecting from the COVID-19 and other variants," Cota pointed out. "And the second thing we are doing is that it helps their economy, and our economy."

It has been almost three years since COVID put the world on pause. Cota noted she does not see it happening again, but supports the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's continued encouragement for individuals to be vaccinated. People who have questions about it should check with their health care provider.

This Saturday, El Mesias United Methodist Church will operate its mobile clinic from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Cota added since they work in a border town, they have seen a recent increase in the number of Mexican nationals crossing the border to get vaccinations.

She stressed the church mobile clinic tries to make the process as easy as possible, including picking up those who may have difficulty driving.

"When they get here, people from Mexico or any people, to our nurses, we are informed, and we give them any information they ask for," Cota explained.

With the recent holiday season, Cota predicted Arizona will not see the full impact of larger gatherings for some weeks to come. The CDC said close to 28% of new COVID cases nationwide are linked to the new variant, with the highest concentration in the Northeast.


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