It has been five years since COVID-19 was first detected, which effectively led to a global shutdown, forcing people around the world to quarantine in their homes.

Now, there is a new, more powerful strain that has been detected in California.

Although we are better prepared as a society to handle this, it's still important to be alert and aware.

Dr. James McDonald, commissioner of the New York State Department of Health, joins Spectrum News 1 to discuss the new strain, why we should be aware of it in New York, symptoms, why this variant appears to be more severe, how the strain continues to evolve, specific ways people can better protect themselves and more.

You can watch the full interview above.