A new COVID-19 strain, NB.1.8.1, has been detected in New York and other US states. While it's been found in countries experiencing outbreaks, the World Health Organization assesses it as posing no major public health risk, though it may be more transmissible. Only a small number of cases have been identified in the US, and it's not yet a dominant variant. Experts believe existing immunity likely offers protection. This comes as the CDC may restrict access to updated COVID-19 vaccines this fall, raising concerns about reduced protection for some populations.

Prepared by Olivia Bennett and reviewed by editorial team.