In the United States, the new JN. 1 variant of COVID-19, another descendent of the Omicron variant, has caused surge in cases this winter, a direct result of its highly contagious nature. 

The JN. 1 variant is labeled as a variant of concern by the WHO because of its exceptionally fast transmission rate, rather than the strain’s deadliness. While the WHO reports a global 4% increase in COVID-19 cases in the last 28 days, the reported death rate decreased by 26% over the same period. 

As a result, OPHS has seen an increase in student absences.   

“Our attendance right before the winter break and after is always impacted by illnesses,” Attendance Cleric Debbie Rauch said. “We have all been so busy visiting family and friends since Thanksgiving that we tend to become ill with various aches and pains. Our COVID-19 numbers are on the rise since we came back on Jan. 9.”

Any absence from school can impact learning in the classroom, and hinder progress in a course. For some students, missing certain classes adds additional stress to already rigorous course loads. 

“Classes that are very note-heavy and focused on what is covered only in class, like AP Statistics, are classes that require mandatory attendance,” senior Hunter Glass said. “I know from experience when I had to miss class, it would be really difficult to catch up. I felt like there was almost too much pressure to make my lecture-heavy classes.”

Due to the fast-spreading nature of this strain and as general advice, the CDPH encourages those who have symptoms to stay home until they feel better. Despite pressure to attend classes, staying home may prevent the spread of JN. 1 and COVID-19 as a whole.