Summary
COVID-19 cases are rising in 17 states, mainly in the Midwest and Northeast, according to new CDC data. While the CDC indicates these increases could be uncertain due to holiday effects, it advises people to maintain good hygiene and consider wearing masks. Although the CDC suggests vaccination decisions be made individually, the administration no longer pushes for universal COVID-19 vaccination.
Key Facts
- CDC data shows COVID-19 cases are increasing in 17 states, especially in the Midwest and Northeast.
- States with "growing" cases include Colorado, Iowa, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Nebraska, and South Dakota.
- States with "likely growing" cases include Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, West Virginia, and Wisconsin.
- The weekly percentage of emergency department visits for COVID-19 is low, and the epidemic trend is not changing significantly.
- The probability of the COVID-19 epidemic growing is about 36%.
- COVID-19 cases have been declining nationwide since November 19.
- The CDC report indicates influenza cases are growing in 41 states.
- The CDC now recommends that COVID-19 vaccination decisions be made individually, in line with the views of Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
