UW researchers say a fall/winter COVID-19 surge is likely

SEATTLE, Wash. – UW researchers say we should expect a surge of COVID-19 cases in the fall and winter.

The school’s Institute of Health Metrics and Evaluation says hesitancy to get vaccines will likely bring an increase in cases following the summer months.

The institute’s Dr. Ali Mokdad tells KOMO News that the number of people opting out and children under 12 unable to be vaccinated leaves plenty of room for virus variants to circulate.

He says we’re also taking fewer precautions as life gets more back to normal, which should lead to a surge.

The institute’s projections have been accurate during the pandemic.