COVID-19 infections are surging across various regions, driven by highly contagious new variants. Ottawa and Eastern Ontario are experiencing their highest levels of COVID-19 in wastewater and hospitalizations since last winter. Similarly, the U.S. is seeing rising cases, especially in the West and Southeast, with predictions of a peak at 1.2 million daily cases by mid-September. Long-term care facilities remain particularly vulnerable, with several outbreaks reported. Despite the rise in cases, the rate of deaths has remained stable. Public health officials emphasize the importance of continued preventive measures as the threat of COVID-19 persists globally.