The five states with the highest positivity rates from COVID-19 checks have noticed a drop in numbers, according to official data from lacheck, amid a growing backlash against potential mask mandates.
President Joe Biden declared an end to the U. S. national emergency. The U. S. government was prompted to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic in April, but cases have returned due to the spread of a new variant, BA. 2. 86, as students return to school. It is expected to worsen in the fall and winter, when seasonal respiratory illnesses, such as colds and flu, spread normally.
Hospitalizations due to COVID-19 had been declining week after week since January, but the trend reversed by the end of July. Between August and early September, there was an increase of about 16 percent nationwide, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Some personal institutions, hospital operators and schools have reintroduced the requirement for visitors to wear masks on their sites to restrict the spread of new variants that have recently emerged. The measures have raised speculation that national restrictions could return, angering many Republicans who have campaigned against the prospect of masking orders returning.
According to a CDC map that tracks the percentage of positive COVID-19 tests across all regions of the U. S. Department of Health and Human Services. In the U. S. (HHS), the five states with the number of cases are Arkansas, Louisiana, Texas, New Mexico and Oklahoma, also known as Region 6.
While in all of those states the percentage of positive COVID-19 tests (and new infections) remains high, at 17. 3% in the week leading up to Sept. 9, there was a 2. 3% drop in the positivity rate from last week.
On the other hand, several regions and states, even those with few positive tests, have noticed cases increase over the past week. In Region 2, which includes New Jersey and New York, the rate of positive tests was 14. 9% on the week. as of September 9, 1. 9% more than the previous week.
In Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio and Wisconsin, grouped in Region 5, cases rose 0. 5 to 13. 4 last week.
In Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, and Nebraska, grouped in Region 7, the number of positive COVID-19 tests increased 1. 4% and 16. 4% in the week ending Sept. 9.
In Alaska, Idaho, Oregon and Washington, grouped in Region 10, testing increased between 1. 4% and 14. 4% as of Sept. 9.
Overall, the percentage of testing nationwide fell from 0. 1% to 14. 3%, according to the CDC.
Earlier this week, the CDC advised anyone 6 months of age or older to receive a booster shot of the updated Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna vaccines during the fall vaccination campaign. Both vaccines have been modified to combat a new variant, XBB. 1. 5. although it is no longer dominant at this stage.
While those most vulnerable to the virus remain those over 65, those living in nursing homes, those with weakened immune systems and those with pre-existing health problems, the government is seeking to expand coverage for serious illnesses. to the entire population.
“Older adults and others with weakened immune systems are at the greatest risk of hospitalization and death,” a CDC spokesperson told Newsweek.
“In addition, healthy youth and adults can still suffer from serious illness. The main reason to get vaccinated against COVID-19 is against severe illness, hospitalization and even death. “
Giulia Carbonaro is a Newsweek journalist based in London, UK. He focuses on U. S. politics, global affairs, and housing. He has extensively covered the ups and downs of the U. S. housing market. He has provided an in-depth look at the current situation. Giulia joined Newsweek in 2022 from CGTN Europe and previously worked at the European Central Bank. He graduated from Nottingham Trent University. Languages: English, Italian, French.
You can reach Giulia by sending an email to g. carbonaro@newsweek. com.