Surge in COVID Cases and Hospitalizations Expected During Winter Holidays

COVID-19 deaths and hospitalizations are increasing in certain parts of the United States ahead of the winter holiday season, according to data from the CDC. COVID-related hospitalizations rose by 8.6% and deaths increased by over 9% in the week ending November 11. Maryland and Colorado had the highest percentage of COVID-19 deaths during that period. Positive COVID test results remained unchanged, while emergency department visits for coronavirus increased by 7.1%. The Biden administration has announced more free COVID tests and updated vaccines are available, but vaccination levels are lower than desired. RSV-related emergency department visits and hospitalizations are also rising.