A map from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) captures which states have seen the largest increase in COVID-19 deaths over the past few weeks.
The CDC continues to publish updated data and maps showcasing different COVID-19 statistics such as testing positivity and hospitalizations, as well as deaths. The map shows that, from October 8 to October 14, COVID-19 deaths have increased only 2.5 percent nationally, when compared to the previous week, but several states have seen much-larger increases.
The map shows that Oregon has seen the largest increase in COVID-19 deaths from October 8 to October 14, when compared to the previous week, with a 150 percent increase. Other states that have seen increases over the same period of time include Arizona (90 percent), South Carolina (78.6 percent), Michigan (33.3 percent), Oklahoma (28.6 percent) and Virginia (28.6 percent).
Spencer Platt/Getty Images
In August and September, many health officials warned of a possible spike in new COVID-19 cases during the fall and winter months.
“Fall and winter are a time when viruses that cause respiratory disease usually circulate more heavily in the community. Before COVID-19, two viruses, flu and RSV, were the main causes of severe respiratory disease during this time of year,” the CDC said last month.
“CDC expects this year will be similar to last year in terms of the total number of hospitalizations from COVID-19, RSV, and flu. As with last year, the total number of hospitalizations this year is expected to be higher than what we as a nation experienced prior to the COVID-19 pandemic,” the CDC added.
Last month, there was discussion surrounding the possible return of mask mandates, after some hospitals and schools implemented the requirements for a specific period of time. Medical-care systems in three California counties also announced a return to mask mandates beginning on November 1.
The CDC also published guidelines for masking in health-care facilities last month. It said: “During periods of higher levels of community respiratory virus transmission, facilities should consider having everyone mask upon entry to the facility to ensure better adherence to respiratory hygiene and cough etiquette for those who might be infectious.”
Newsweek reached out to the CDC via email for comment.
While COVID-19 deaths are rising in some states, the map from the CDC shows that nationally, COVID-19 hospitalizations are down 5 percent from October 8 to October 14, when compared to the previous week. Overall, there were 16,158 COVID-19 related hospitalizations reported to the CDC during the week ending on October 14.
Uncommon Knowledge
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.