COVID wave ebbs in most states
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The summer surge of COVID-19 is receding in more than half of the states, though wastewater surveillance indicates high or very high levels of virus continue to circulate in much of the country, according to the CDC.
Why it matters: With peak summer travel over and mild temperatures keeping people outdoors in many regions, the country could get a respite before the traditional fall-winter surge kicks in.
By the numbers: Wastewater viral activity levels remain high or very high in most regions of the country and is highest in the West, but dropped to moderate in the Northeast, per the data.
- COVID infections are declining or likely declining in 31 states, stable or uncertain in 13 others and believed to be rising only in Montana, Idaho and South Dakota.
- The predominant variant remains KP.3.1.1, one of the so-called FLiRT variants.
Yes, but: Respiratory virus season is ahead. That means the flu, RSV and COVID are all likely to start flaring in the coming months.
- Only 43% of Americans plan to get a COVID vaccine this fall, per a survey last week from Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center.
What we're watching: The XEC variant, which was identified in Germany in June, has been spreading across the globe and is expected to eventually become the dominant variant.
