COVID surges heading into fall: What you need to know

Rates of COVID-19 are rising as the summer ends, with new variants compounding concerns about the virus heading into the fall.
Hospitalizations and deaths are rising by double-digit percentages, according to Centers for Disease Control (CDC) data, though rates remain far below pandemic-era levels.
The change in season also means cooling temperatures, cold season and the return of children to schools around the country — all of which could exacerbate current trends.
Here's what to know abou