In the latest sign of progress in the fight against COVID-19, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported that weekly deaths due to the virus have hit a new record low in the United States. This encouraging news comes as the country continues to roll out vaccines to its population and implement precautionary measures to slow the spread of the virus. While the pandemic is far from over, this development offers hope that the worst of the crisis may finally be behind us.
The United States has seen a decrease in COVID-19 deaths this week with levels not seen since late March 2020, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. An estimated 1,160 Americans have died from the virus this week, which is a significant decline from over 4,000 weekly deaths seen in January 2021. However, over one million people have died from COVID-19 in the U.S. since the start of the pandemic.
Cases have also been on the decline, with less than 100,000 people testing positive this week. However, experts have warned that case counts may be a gross underestimate due to the prevalence of at-home tests. Additionally, the new XBB.1.16 Omicron subvariant may be responsible for a recent surge of cases in India. It now makes up nearly 10% of new cases in the U.S., but experts say it does not appear to be more severe than similar subvariants.
More than 50 million Americans have received the most updated COVID bivalent vaccine, according to CDC data. However, uptake has been slowing down since the beginning of the year, with only 5 million people getting the shot in the past few months. To address this, the FDA recently announced a new simplified vaccination schedule for COVID vaccines. Those over the age of 65 are now eligible for a second bivalent shot four months after their first. Immunocompromised patients can also receive another booster two months after their first and may be eligible for additional doses under the discretion of their provider.
It’s important to note that despite the decrease in deaths and cases, the pandemic is far from over. The emergence of new variants and the slowing uptake of vaccines point to the need for continued vigilance and efforts to mitigate the spread of the virus. It’s crucial for individuals to continue practicing social distancing, wearing masks, and getting vaccinated to help protect themselves and those around them.
As we navigate through this pandemic, any news that offers hope is always welcome. The latest CDC data showing a new record low of weekly COVID deaths is certainly a step in the right direction. While we must remain vigilant and continue to take necessary precautions to prevent the spread of the virus, it is heartening to see that the efforts of healthcare workers and the general public are paying off. We can only hope that this trend continues, and we have even more positive news to report in the weeks and months ahead.
