A new COVID subvariant is spreading among a weary, divided public

A new and easily transmissible COVID-19 virus subvariant is gaining traction in the U.S., according to the latest federal data, and public health experts in Maryland and elsewhere fear a fatigued and divided nation has let its guard down. Scientists, medical professionals and researchers are racing to understand BA.5, a new subvariant of the highly contagious omicron strain that emerged last fall and quickly fanned out across the country. The rapid spread of infections caused a statewide surge in sickness that prompted hospitals to resort to emergency standards of care as patients overwhelmed the health care system.