Covid infections of the variant XBB.1.5 (a.k.a. Kraken) are rising with Berkshire County in the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) medium/yellow risk zone. Parts of eastern Massachusetts. Connecticut, New York City, Long Island, and New Jersey are in the red. Being in the medium zone means if you are at high risk for getting sick, you should wear a high-quality face mask indoors in public spaces. According to the CDC, the XBB.1.5 variant is more transmissible than other variants, but unknown if it causes severe disease. What can you do? Be up-to-date on vaccinations; test if exposed, have symptoms, or before attending an indoor gathering; and isolate if you are positive. Town Hall has an abundant supply of free COVID at-home tests and KN95 masks.