What we know about the XBB.1.5 COVID variant sweeping the Northeast

(The Hill) – The XBB.1.5 omicron subvariant is raising concerns of a potential surge in COVID-19 cases as it sweeps across the Northeast.Officials have warned in recent weeks that the strain is highly transmissible, can more easily evade the immunity offered by vaccines or prior infections than past variants — and is likely to drive cases up around the country.The subvariant has already rapidly spread in the Northeast, where it is currently estimated to be causing