COVID Levels in 23 States Rated Very High According to Latest CDC Data

Title: CDC Warns of COVID-19 Holiday Risks; Tracks Viral Activity Levels Through Wastewater Surveillance

Date: [Insert Date]

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a series of warnings and precautions to ensure public safety during the upcoming holiday season, as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact communities across the United States. Monitoring the latest trends in virus activity, the CDC has harnessed the power of an innovative tool – the COVID-19 Current Wastewater Viral Activity Levels Map – to identify states with high COVID-19 levels, including both symptomatic and asymptomatic cases.

Analyzing recent data, the CDC has reported a 0.4% decrease in test positivity since Thanksgiving. However, concerning hospital admissions have increased by 3.1% nationwide, underscoring the urgent need for preventive measures amid the ongoing pandemic.

To track the prevalence of the virus, the CDC has developed the COVID-19 Current Wastewater Viral Activity Levels Map, which relies on wastewater testing. This pioneering technique can identify traces of SARS-CoV-2 in wastewater, even in individuals without symptoms. The CDC’s wastewater monitoring system covers approximately 117 million Americans and offers an early indication of changes in disease trends, often before they are seen in clinical cases.

By collecting samples from wastewater treatment plants across all 50 states, the National Wastewater Surveillance System (NWSS) enables health officials to categorize states based on viral activity levels. According to the current interactive map, states such as Oregon have minimal COVID-19 levels, while Alaska, Hawaii, and Washington have recorded low levels of viral activity.

Moderate levels of viral activity have been observed in Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, and Pennsylvania. Notably, high levels have been reported in twelve states, including California, New York, Texas, and Virginia. The largest group, with 23 states, falls into the category of “very high activity level,” including Arkansas, Massachusetts, Michigan, and Wisconsin.

However, some states and territories, such as Connecticut, Louisiana, and Puerto Rico, currently have no available data due to a lack of sampling sites reporting to the NWSS. Efforts are underway to rectify this and include these regions in the surveillance system.

It is worth mentioning that testing at commercial contract wastewater sites temporarily paused but has now resumed. The CDC aims to update the data once six weeks’ worth of information has been collected, providing a comprehensive and accurate snapshot of viral activity levels across the country.

In light of these findings, the CDC urges the public to adhere to safety guidelines, maintain social distancing, wear masks, and practice good hand hygiene during the holiday season. By following these precautions, individuals can protect themselves and their loved ones from the risk of COVID-19 transmission.

With the holiday season fast approaching, it is crucial for everyone to stay vigilant and prioritize public health to mitigate the impact of the ongoing pandemic.

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