"Surge in COVID Hospitalizations Ahead of Labor Day Weekend in the U.S."

The United States is experiencing a significant increase in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations as it enters the Labor Day weekend. Hospitalizations have risen by 18.8% in the past week and 86.9% in the past month, although they are still down compared to the same time last year. New COVID hospital admissions have been increasing for seven consecutive weeks and are expected to continue rising. Nursing homes in Los Angeles County and New Jersey are particularly affected. Retailers and pharmacies are seeing increased demand for COVID testing, leading to temporary shortages. Three new COVID variants are contributing to the spread. Some hospital systems and medical facilities have reinstated mask mandates. The CDC expects a new COVID booster to be available by the end of September.