America’s coronavirus outbreak is rapidly improving as the Delta wave recedes, and vaccines for kids — which could become available within weeks — will help the situation improve even further.
By the numbers: Nationwide, the U.S. is now averaging about 79,000 new cases per day — a 22% drop over the past two weeks.
- COVID-19 deaths have fallen by 14% over the same period, to an average of 1,600 per day.
Where it stands: Hawaii has the lowest number of new cases relative to its population, followed by Florida and Louisiana — which were hotbeds for the virus this summer.
The other side: Alaska, Montana and Idaho have the highest number of cases relative to their populations. Cases per capita are also creeping up in New England.
The big picture: Experts are cautiously optimistic that the virus will continue to lose ground throughout the U.S.
- Roughly 57% of the U.S. is fully vaccinated, and that number will increase once kids can get the jab. Millions of people also have some level of immunity from a prior infection.
- Holiday travel will likely cause some spikes in new cases. The risk will be greatest in places with low vaccination rates, and people who aren’t vaccinated will remain at risk for serious illness and death. But the U.S. as a whole is on the right track.