2025 Covid-19 Is Back as a Variant. What to Know About Shots, Trends, Protecting Your Family..NEW

COVID-19 Update: September 19, 2025

Los Angeles County
COVID-19 activity is increasing. Test positivity is around 15%. Wastewater levels are high and rising. Hospital admissions are up from earlier in the summer but remain below the worst peaks of 2023-2024. The dominant variant is XFG (“Stratus”), which has largely displaced earlier strains.

California (Statewide, USA)
Cases and hospitalizations are climbing, with statewide positivity above 12%. Wastewater viral loads are elevated. NB.1.8.1 (“Nimbus”) remains under monitoring but is not showing increased severity.

United States Overall
Infections are growing in most states. NB.1.8.1, XFG (“Stratus”), and LP.8.1 are rising, but hospitalizations and deaths are still well below previous peaks due to immunity and vaccination.

Japan
Cases have been rising for nine consecutive weeks. Weekly cases are around 22,000 nationwide, with gradual but steady growth. Hospital impact remains low.

What You Can Do Now
• Get updated COVID boosters if eligible, especially if you are over 65 or high-risk
• Buy masks and keep them in your car for easy access
• Wear a mask in crowded indoor settings (N95, KN95, KF94 recommended)
• Improve indoor ventilation
• Stay home if you feel unwell
• Check local health department updates
• Get your flu shot if you are under 65
• See your doctor for a check-up or physical

Summary
• Los Angeles County - Rising, driven by Stratus (XFG variant), high positivity and wastewater levels
• California - Growing wave with elevated viral load, NB.1.8.1 present
• United States - Moderate rise, many states showing growth but lower severity overall
• Japan - Steady increase, still mild to moderate impact