COVID Cases Surge and Death Toll Climbs in the US
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that around 1,000 Americans are dying and 15,000 are being hospitalized every week due to COVID-19. Death rates have been steadily increasing since July, with a spike in emergency room visits and hospitalizations in mid-November. The CDC is investigating whether Thanksgiving-related travel contributed to the recent surge in cases. The Midwest and Mid-Atlantic states are experiencing the largest accelerations, with Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, and Wisconsin showing the fastest increases. The CDC recommends mask use and avoiding non-essential indoor gatherings in areas with high COVID-19 hospitalizations. The low uptake of COVID-19 booster shots and vaccine hesitancy are contributing to the spike in cases.
