By Tanya Terry
It looks like the U.S. may be facing a late-summer wave of COVID-19-related hospitalizations.
COVID-19 hospitalizations are on the rise, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The 10% increase marks the sharpest increase since December 2022, with well over 7,000 COVID-19 patients requiring hospitalization in the week of July 15.
Test positivity rates and emergency department visits by people who have contracted the virus have also seen a national uptick since mid-July.
The Japan Times reported officials in Japan have seen an increase in the number of COVID-19 cases increase fourfold from May to July. Also, from April 2023 to June, China experienced a COVID-19 wave.
It’s too early for experts to know if the rise in COVID-19 hospitalizations in the U.S. will lead to a larger outbreak. However, it is something to keep an eye on.
COVID-19 deaths are remaining about the same in the U.S. however, with at least 270,227,181 people or 81% of the population have received at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine.
Overall, 230,637,348 people, or 70% of the population, are considered fully vaccinated.
COVID-19 rates themselves are at near historic lows.
For COVID-19 vaccines near you, visit https://www.vaccines.gov/. You can also call the COVID-19 Hotline at 888-535-6136 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday-Friday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday and Sunday. When calling, make sure to press option 1.
