The latest COVID surge is still active with more than 1,000 people hospitalized with COVID in West Virginia right now. Health experts are warning of yet another variant making its way across the country. They expect it to reach the mountain state in just a few weeks. BA.2 is the name of the next COVID variant of concern and health experts say it’s been identified in 49 countries and 17 states so far. Wyoming County-based family practice Dr. Joanna Bailey said the new variant may be slightly more contagious than Omicron, but it does not appear to be more dangerous than Omicron. N95 masks will be the most helpful in fighting against it.