 New CDC data taken from sewage shows that Maryland is one of seven states that have very high levels of the virus SARS-CoV-2. Nearby Virginia has ticked up to high levels. New COVID variants known as FLIRT are responsible for the majority of the rise in cases. Scientists have found that they are highly transmissible but don't cause more severe disease. One thing that may be driving up those cases as well, the extreme heat that is forcing more of us indoors for longer periods.