California sees increase in Covid cases linked to Omicron subvariant | The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.Jump to contentIndependentNext articleIndependent Bulletin homepageSocial PartnerWe are 8 logo (opens in a new tab)AllNewsSportCultureLifestyleIo DoddsWednesday 27 August 2025 01:48 BSTRFK Jr makes false claim MMR vaccine contains ‘aborted fetus debris’California is experiencing a surge in Covid-19 infections, largely driven by a new Omicron subvariant named 'Stratus' or 'XFG'.Public health officials in Los Angeles and San Jose report increased positive test rates, with statewide hospital admissions nearly doubling since early July.The approval of new Covid-19 vaccines is facing delays, with the US Food and Drug Administration yet to license updated jabs.Robert F. Kennedy Jr., known for his vaccine skepticism, is impeding the process, and the CDC's vaccine advisory committee, whose members were recently replaced, has not yet issued new guidelines.This delay means updated vaccines may become available later than anticipated in September, and current vaccine generations will cease to be available once new regulations are enacted.In fullA new strain of Covid is causing a spike in California as officials grapple with Trump’s vaccine policiesThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in