Hey everyone, Emily Quank here.

NPR, science desk reporters are hard at work right now,

figuring out this new variant, what you need to know,

and actions you can take to keep yourself safe.

Shortwave regular Maria Godoy reported this piece

about how to navigate our upcoming pandemic winter.

Stay safe out there team, and here's the episode.

This is NPR's life kit. The holiday season is well underway,

and with it, a fresh batch of worries over the latest COVID-19 variant,

Omegron. Was that a giant collective sigh I just heard?

I know. After almost two years of pandemic life,

and last year's socially distant New Year's parties,

we're all tired of holding our breath and itching to share

some hot chocolate by the fire.

The good news is, we've come a long way in the last year,

and though there's still a lot unknown about the new

variant, there's still plenty we can do to protect ourselves

and our loved ones.

I'm Andy Tagle, one of the producers of this show,

and in this episode of Life Kit, NPR's Senior Science and Health

Correspondent Maria Godoy is here to break down the latest COVID

news and help you stay safe and sane this winter.

...