The number of new cases of COVID-19 and hospitalizations has increased.
A senior public health official on Friday was “deeply concerned” by the trajectory of COVID-19 cases, again urging Americans to continue to take precautions, such as wearing masks, even if states lift restrictions on them. limit the spread of the virus and more people continue to be vaccinated.
CDC Director Rochelle Walensky said the number of new cases over a 7-day period has increased by 7% from the previous week and hospitalizations are also rising, which could be a warning sign for another wave in cases where public health officials say they could be avoided.
“I am deeply concerned about this trajectory. We have seen cases and hospitalizations moving from historical declines to stagnation to increases. We know from previous increases that if we do not control things now, there is a real potential for the epidemic curve to rise again, “she said in a briefing.
The supply of vaccines from Johnson & Johnson is also expected to increase to 11 million doses next week, fulfilling the company’s promise to deliver 20 million doses by the end of March.
But even as vaccinations increase, Walensky said it’s still too early for people to stop wearing masks or socialize indoors, unless they fall under the CDC guidelines for people who are fully vaccinated.
“It’s been a long year and I know people are tired and they don’t want to hear that it will take us a little longer, but it will take us a little longer,” she said.
“What I would say is that this is an individual choice. People can practice these mitigation strategies with or without their government – their government efforts ”.