New COVID variants EG.5, FL.1.5.1 and BA.2.86 are spreading. Here's what to know.

Health authorities say they're closely tracking the spread of three new COVID-19 variants now spreading around the country.

Levels of COVID-19 hospitalizations and deaths for now remain far below previous peaks seen during past summer and winter waves of the virus, but have been climbing steadily for several weeks.

Public health officials have said that they're well-equipped for the latest seasonal uptick in the virus, with COVID-19 tests and forthcoming vaccines expected to work for the variants on the rise around the country.