In our continuing series looking at the latest medical research and news on COVID-19, Larry Mantle speaks with Dr. Sam Torbati, co-chair of the department of emergency medicine at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. 

Topics today include: 

• What we know about the new BA.2 Omicron variant. Here’s why scientists are on alert. 

• Omicron was in California before it was named Omicron, according to sewage samples. 

  • What else wastewater is telling us about the Omicron surge. 
• Health officials say L.A. County is past the Omicron peak. 
• San Francisco eases mask, vaccination proof rules as Omicron surge recedes. 
• Rams-49ers football, Lunar New Year pose new COVID-19 challenge for California. 
• Should you get a second booster shot? 

This program is made possible in part by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, a private corporation funded by the American people.