CDC Warns of Summer COVID Surge as Hospitalizations Rise

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported a rise in COVID-19 hospitalizations in the U.S., with a 10% increase and over 7,100 patients hospitalized in the week of July 15. COVID-related emergency room visits have also increased. While the spikes have been most prominent in the Southeast, overall COVID rates in the country are still at "near-historic lows." Despite the uptick, the CDC does not plan to recommend a return to masking. However, concerns are growing over "mutagenic" subvariants emerging in Asia. Experts suggest that booster shots may be recommended in the fall, especially for high-risk groups who haven't had a recent infection or vaccine.