Surge in COVID-19 Hospitalizations Hits U.S. with December-Level Intensity

Weekly COVID-19 hospitalizations in the U.S. have increased by over 10%, the largest percent increase since December, according to data from the CDC. Emergency room visits with COVID-19 have also risen. While hospitalizations remain below last year's levels, experts warn of a potential increase in COVID-19 activity in the coming months. The CDC attributes the rise in infections to a mix of descendants from the XBB variant. Updated vaccines targeting these variants are expected to be available by late September.