 COVID-19 is on the rise. The Virginia Department of Health says less than 1.5% of all emergency department visits are for diagnosed COVID-19. Experts say there are a number of reasons for the summer surge, like the emergence of new variants, waning immunity from prior infection and prior immunity. I'm Kimberly McBroom. Watch WDPJ 7 Morning from 4.30 until 7 every weekday morning. And join us from 7 to 9 on WZBJ 24.