By Reynaldo Mena
A summer wave of COVID-19 variant Eris is hitting just as kids and teachers head back to campus. California is seeing a little more than a 10% increase in cases. “We must not let our guard down,” says Dr. Ilan Shapiro, chief health correspondent and medical affairs officer at AltaMed Health Services, COVID is not over. ‘This will last for several more years.”
Health authorities have warned about the arrival of the new variant Eris which, although not as harmful as the original virus, can still leave sequels in those infected. “People are tired of COVID, but the best thing they can do is get vaccinated, eat well, and exercise,” adds the Mexican-origin doctor. While the Latino community has improved nutrition rates, it is still far from having the best habits, so Dr. Shapiro recommends “making slight improvements as much as possible.” The Eris variant is not as contagious, but we need to remain vigilant about this.

HEALTH
The Mental Health Gap No One’s Talking About: Why Latinos Are Undertreated for Depression
738 Caregivers Are Losing Their Jobs. Is This the Final Blow for California’s Latinos?
Millions Turn to Hospice at the End of Life. Latino Patients Are Less Likely to Receive It and May Be More Likely to Lose It
IMMIGRATION
Deported, But Not Home: How the U.S. Third-Country Deportation System Works
BUSINESS
The Growth Trap: Why Small Businesses Can Lose Money by Trying to Sell Too Much
The Experience You Think Is Holding You Back May Be Your Business Advantage
You Don’t Always Need More Customers: 5 Ways to Make Your Small Business Grow Smarter in 2026
Your Business Didn’t Burn, But the Boyle Heights Fire May Still Have Cost You. SBA Loans Are Now Available