As of Wednesday, BA.2 accounts for one in three cases in the U.S. and about one in four in the Southeast, which includes Florida. Europe typically is a month ahead of the U.S. in its COVID outbreaks.

In Florida, where positivity rates are low, many people are taking off their masks and returning to indoor spaces such as restaurants and theaters. In addition, Spring Break is drawing crowds of people to local beaches, restaurants, and nightclubs, often from areas where omicron transmission is higher.

BA.2 has caused concern because it is about 50% more transmissible than the original omicron strain.

So, what does the pandemic trajectory look like in Florida and how do residents stay safe this spring and summer? The South Florida Sun Sentinel asked health experts to offer guidance.

Is Florida going to get another omicron surge?

Florida is at a near-historic low in terms of new COVID cases, emerging from its largest peak in January. While the subvariant has been in Florida since January, virus samples sequenced by Helix show BA.2 has become an increasingly larger percentage of COVID cases in the state in the past two weeks.

Dr. Ira Longini, a professor of biostatistics who has created COVID-19 forecast models at the University of Florida, believes even if another omicron wave arrives in Florida, it will be a steady uptick in cases that lasts a while, rather than a sharp rise that peaks and then drops like the recent omicron wave in January.

“Florida had an enormous wave, and we still have cross-protection,” Longini said. “I don’t know how fast that protection will wane but I don’t think we are going to get a massive, explosive wave. I think it will be flatter, but it could last a long time as immunity wanes.”

If I was infected with omicron, can I get the subvariant, BA.2?

In Florida about 1 million people had COVID during the omicron surge.

Experts believe for the most part, people who were previously infected with omicron have protection against being reinfected with BA.2. A preprint study from Denmark found only a minuscule fraction of people were reinfected with BA.2 who had been infected with the original omicron strain — 47 people out of more than 1.8 million recent cases of COVID-19.

While it’s unlikely, Dr. Eric Topol, founder of The Scripps Research Institute, said there is no guarantee against reinfection: “We don’t have adequate data to be certain.” He also notes that it is unclear how long immunity from the original omicron strain will last.

The subvariant is more contagious but is it more severe?

The World Health Organization has considered all the data available from around the globe and concluded there is no major difference in disease severity between the original omicron strain and BA.2 Omicron is considered a milder variant than previous strains such as delta.

In its original strain, omicron has appeared as an upper respiratory-type infection with cold-like symptoms, rather than the lower respiratory infections that can lead toward pneumonia which had been common with delta. Cough, congestion, runny nose and fatigue are reported as the prominent symptoms with omicron.

If I had a booster shot more than six months ago, am I still protected?

Researchers are studying BA.2 in real-time, learning who is protected and who might be at risk.

Dr. Scott Gottlieb, former FDA commissioner and current Pfizer board member, thinks most people who got a booster will be well protected in the months ahead.

“If we’re in a low-prevalent environment, as we’re likely to be this summer, I think most Americans who had three doses of vaccine will have sufficient protection going through the summer,” Dr. Gottlieb told CBS News.

Meanwhile, Pfizer and Moderna have asked the FDA to allow adults in the U.S. to get fourth-dose boosters. So far, their requests have not been approved.

Infectious disease doctors note that current Pfizer and Moderna boosters are not tailored to the COVID-19 variants currently circulating, like omicron, and its subvariant, BA.2.

However, Pfizer is studying an omicron-specific vaccine and a hybrid shot that would target omicron along with earlier variants and is expected to report its findings in April.

Topol says if the level of circulating virus continues to drop as it has in March, then people can wait on boosters until the first sign of a new variant other than omicron. However, if there is a new BA.2 wave, the recommendation would be for people over age 60 or 65 to get a second booster.

In Florida, 95% of seniors are vaccinated, but only a quarter of all 21 million residents are boosted.

Topol says people over 65 without booster shots should be concerned since their protection is substantially lower for hospitalizations and deaths compared with seniors who are boosted.

What about if I never got a booster shot, just the two vaccine doses, do I still have good protection?

Two shots provide protection against severe outcomes from COVID. Three shots provide even more protection. A recent CDC study suggested that vaccine effectiveness against severe outcomes during the omicron wave in January was 88% with two shots, and 94% with three.

Experts say it’s prudent to be prepared for a possible increase in coronavirus transmission by getting up-to-date on vaccinations and boosters. Anyone who got the Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna shot can get a booster five months after completing the primary two-dose COVID-19 vaccination series. Those who got the Johnson & Johnson can get a booster two months later.

What are the COVID therapies that are thought to work against the omicron subvariant?

Doctors are prescribing oral antiviral pills such as Pfizer’s Paxlovid tablets or Merck’s Molnupiravir to treat COVID-19 in its early stages. “Paxlovid is very potent and practical to use, but the supply is very limited and the block of COVID funds will make this situation much worse if/when another case surge begins,” Topol said.

Certain monoclonal antibodies do not work for omicron but there are some that do. For example, bebtelovimab and sotrovimab are being given as early treatment and Evusheld is being given to protect who are not infected but are immunocompromised.

Scientists have said it’s inevitable that almost everyone will get COVID. If I haven’t had it yet, should I stop worrying and live my life?

Yes and no.

Even people who have had mild cases of COVID are developing symptoms that surface weeks later, doctors report.

“Every wave just increases the spike in the number of outpatient visits related to symptoms that are thought to be associated with COVID,” Shibani Mukerji, an assistant professor of neurology at Harvard Medical School, told the Harvard Gazette.

Yet, even top U.S. infectious disease expert Dr. Anthony Fauci says it’s time for the U.S. to start inching back to normal.

In Florida, many are adapting their behaviors to the new normal as case levels drop.

Longini at UF says Floridians should monitor for rising cases in their communities.

“If there is an increase, wear a mask indoors and follow protocol about avoiding indoor crowds. It’s all a matter of taking reasonable precautions and going about our daily lives.”

Sun Sentinel health reporter Cindy Goodman can be reached at cgoodman@sunsentinel.com or Twitter @cindykgoodman.

Family time spent together in the kitchen has quite a few payoffs. Kids learn life skills, like how to shop for and prepare meals, while everyone learns how to communicate and cooperate. You can read more about the benefits of cooking with the kids in last month’s article.

If you’re already on board with getting kids in the kitchen, you may be wondering whether to start with peanut butter and jelly sandwiches or go for the gold with Beef Wellington. Like Aristotle once said, virtue is the mean between two extremes. The best recipes to cook as a family are simple enough to achieve yet challenging enough that everyone feels accomplished once seated at the table.

If you’re eager to encourage the budding cooks in your home, look no further than these five easy recipes from the Publix Aprons chefs.

Overnight Apple-Berry Oats

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, but putting together something that is both healthy and delicious can prove a challenge while trying to get out the door. This recipe takes about 10 minutes of active prep time and about an hour in the fridge to chill. The basic steps require measuring and mixing ingredients before pouring into containers to set. Putting this together the night before makes the morning that much easier. Breakfast can be had in minutes at the table or everyone can take theirs to go. Here’s the full recipe.

Blueberry Oat Waffles

When you have a little more time on the weekends, try these flour-free, dairy-free waffles made with oats, applesauce, almond milk and other delicious ingredients. Whipping up the batter and cooking the waffles will take about 30 minutes from start to finish, and the result is brunch-worthy. Find the full list of ingredients and instructions here.

Apples with Peanut Butter Dip

This yummy, creamy dip is a blend of peanut butter, Greek yogurt and honey. It’s packed with protein and makes a perfect snack, side or dessert. Little ones can help measure ingredients, stir or press the buttons on the food processor. Leave the slicing to adults and teens with knife skills or purchase pre-sliced apples. Here’s where to find the recipe.

Turkey and Broccoli Pasta

This recipe combines some kid-friendly favorites like pasta, cheese and broccoli. It takes about 25 minutes to prepare, and there’s something for everyone to do, from browning the ground turkey to putting the pasta to boil and mixing everything together. The meal can be served as is or finished with a little crushed red pepper. This makes for a quick dinner or can be made at night and served for lunch the next day. Learn more about this crowd-pleasing recipe here.

Chicken Caesar Sliders

These sliders start with a slow-cooker and classic flavors. Shredded chicken is warmed up and coated in a mixture of Caesar yogurt dressing and shredded cheese. The meal takes about an hour and half to complete, but just about 20 minutes of active cooking time. Kids can help along the way, and assembly goes faster with a little teamwork. Here’s how to make it.

White Chicken and Broccoli Pizza

Pizza is a family favorite for a reason, and it’s fairly easy (and fun) to put one together yourself. You can make one pizza for the whole family to enjoy, or set up an assembly line with small pizza crusts and a variety of ingredients so each family member can create one to his or her own taste. This recipe has relatively few ingredients and gets in a serving of veggies. However, you can find more sophisticated recipes like this Heirloom Tomato and Herbed Ricotta Flatbread or this fun Bacon Cheeseburger Pizza.

Ready to get cooking with your family? Visit www.Publix.com for store locations near you and to find recipes to try with your kids. This article is published as part of the Sun Sentinel Kids of Character program sponsored by Publix which recognizes kids and staff in South Florida public schools who exhibit the character traits of responsibility, kindness and cooperation. The honorees are recognized at an annual awards ceremony. Visit www.publix.com to find a store near you, discover delicious recipes and learn more about how they support local community programs.

— Jessica Chesler for Publix

The next time you’re looking for things to do as a family, consider these reasons you should be cooking with the kids.

Spend quality time together

Instead of mom or dad preparing (or ordering) dinner while the kids hang out in front of a screen, use dinner prep as an an opportunity for quality time together. Younger children can take on age-appropriate tasks like washing veggies or tossing ingredients into a mixing bowl. The older ones can cut, slice and sauté.

Teach life skills

Cooking with your kids is not just a chance to spend time together but also one to instill skills that will benefit your kids throughout their life. Knowing how to shop for and prepare a healthy and delicious meal can help you save money and have control over your diet. While other young adults are ordering pizza and heating up ramen, those who know how to cook can roast a chicken and serve up a salad.

Learn to like new foods

Getting kids to try new foods is a struggle for many parents. Involving kids in the process is a way to encourage curiosity about all kinds of foods. Instead of surprising the little ones with a plate of new foods, they can be part of choosing different ingredients in the store and preparing them at home. This gives kids ownership of the end result and might make them more likely to try it at the dinner table.

Introduce the family to new cultures through food

Food is an important part of every culture and a great entryway to learning about different parts of the world. If your kid is studying world history, it’s a great opportunity to explore the international foods aisle at your local grocery store and try your hand at a new cuisine.

Even foods considered everyday items can offer a glimpse into history and culture. One example is the tomato. While it’s most closely associated with Italian cuisine and sandwich toppings, the tomato is native to South America. In the 1500s, Europeans brought it back to the continent where it became common in Spanish, Italian and Greek dishes.

Pass down family recipes

Cooking together is also a way for kids to connect with their family history and make sure treasured recipes continue through the generations. Even if you haven’t been making them yourself, take some time to dig through your old files or call up older relatives to get the details on Great-Grandma’s famous seven-layer fudge cake. Better yet, invite your older relatives over to teach you and the kids how to cook up their favorite traditional recipes.

Boost everyone’s confidence

Cooking is a practical, accessible activity that can be empowering for the entire family. Responsibility for family meals often falls on just one person. This means others miss out on the joy and pride that can result from serving your family a meal you had a hand in making. When everyone cooks together or takes turns in the kitchen, everyone is learning and honing a skill, the product of which everyone can enjoy — and that’s a great way to boost confidence for people of all ages.

At first, cooking with kids might seem impractical, but the benefits far outweigh any cons. It is true that adults can work much faster, and there are some safety hazards in the kitchen. However, if you give age-appropriate tasks and have patience as kids learn, you can reap the rewards cooking together can bring.

Ready to get cooking with your family? Visit www.Publix.com for store locations near you and to find recipes to try out with your kids. This article is published as part of the Sun Sentinel Kids of Character program sponsored by Publix which recognizes kids and staff in South Florida public schools who exhibit the character traits of responsibility, kindness and cooperation. The honorees are recognized at an annual awards ceremony. Visit www.publix.com to find a store near you, discover delicious recipes and learn more about how they support local community programs.

Jessica Chesler for Publix

Planting an indoor herb garden also makes for the perfect family project, with tasks appropriate for kids of any age. The family gets to spend time together, learn about the life cycle of plants, build nurturing skills and learn how to incorporate the product of their work into the food they eat.

If you’ve been looking for something to do with kids to pull them away from their screens, we can show you how to put together an indoor herb garden of your own.

Laying the groundwork

Make sure there is a place indoors that receives about six hours of sunlight. A window ledge in the kitchen is ideal, but the potted plants can live on a table anywhere in the home near a source of sunlight.

Decide what herbs you want to plant by thinking about what you use (or want to use) most in cooking. Herbs like oregano, rosemary and thyme are commonly used in Italian and Greek dishes. Cilantro is excellent in Latin-based recipes. Parsley and chives are often welcome additions to salads, soups and baked potatoes. Mint is a highly versatile herb that appears in both sweet and savory creations.

You can start with young plants or with packets of seeds purchased at a local home and garden store. In addition, you’ll need to grab a bag of potting soil, containers and a trowel for transferring soil.

The seed of a good idea

Starting from seeds adds an extra thrill to the project as everyone gets to watch them sprout through the soil. The seeds need to be incubated before being planted in their final containers. Repurpose an empty egg carton and washed eggshells to create a perfect home to protect the seeds and keep them warm.

Once supplies have been gathered, it’s time to get to work. Each eggshell will need to be filled with potting soil about one-third to half way. Place two or three seeds into each eggshell and cover with more soil. The seeds need to be covered with about a one-half inch of soil.

Now add a little water so that the soil is moist but not drenched and place in sunny area of the home away from drafts.

Sprouting can take anywhere from 14 days to two months. Continue to check the moisture levels every two or three days. Add water as necessary. Remember that not every seed will necessarily sprout. So, this method is a good way to make sure you’re planting the hardiest of the plants once you’re ready to transfer the seedlings to pots.

Repotting young plants

When your seedlings have started to grow several leaves, it’s time to transfer to larger containers. You can also find young herbaceous plants in the Publix produce department as well as home and garden stores.

Set up a workspace on a table with room for the plants, new containers and potting soil. If working indoors, make clean-up easier by lining the work surface with plastic or newspaper. It will also be helpful to place the potting soil in a shallow tub or tray rather than taking it directly from the bag.

Take your trowel or a large spoon and fill the new containers with enough soil to make sure the topsoil of the plant is about one inch from the top of the container. Carefully remove the plant from the eggshells or its current container. Put the plant into the center of the new container and hold it in place while adding more soil around the base of the plant until the root system is fully covered.

Add water until the soil is moist and place the new containers in an area of the home that gets adequate sunlight.

When you’re ready to get cooking, gently tear or cut off the herbs you need.

This article is published as part of the Sun Sentinel Kids of Character program sponsored by Publix which recognizes kids and staff in South Florida public schools who exhibit the character traits of responsibility, kindness and cooperation. Visit www.publix.com to find a store near you and discover delicious recipes that incorporate herbs from your new indoor herb garden like this Basil Arugula Pesto or this healthy and delicious Lemon Melon Salad with Mint.

Jessica Chesler for Publix

There is a reason wood flooring has been a popular choice for homes around the world. The material is durable and the look adds warmth and texture to any design style.

Earlier this year, flooring manufacturer Mohawk introduced RevWood, a new line of wood-look vinyl flooring matching the visual allure of wood floors with even higher durability. RevWood offers the natural appeal of wood floors while delivering a surface that is resistant to scratches, dents, stains and fading.

RevWood Plus provides even more protection from wear and tear with an impenetrable waterproof surface that can stand up to active families with kids and pets. Spills, mud and debris are easily cleaned with a wet-mop.

Both RevWood and RevWood Plus come in a variety of styles, tones and textures to enhance any design scheme that aims to incorporate the warmth and rich sophistication of wood floors.

Learn more about about RevWood by browsing the Dolphin Carpet & Tile website or visit an Exclusive Mohawk Floorscapes Showroom at any of the ten Dolphin Carpet & Tile retail locations in South Florida.