Ohio COVID hospitalizations back on the rise
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COVID-19 hospitalization rates across Ohio rose 4% from June to July amid signs of a late-summer wave sweeping the country.
By the numbers: The average COVID-19 hospitalization rate nationwide rose about 17% from June to July, per the latest available CDC data.
- A new variant, EG.5, is now the dominant form in the U.S., according to CDC estimates — though it's unclear whether it's directly responsible for the rising numbers.
Why it matters: Simply put, our guard is down.
- Many of us put COVID in our rearview mirrors, leaving us both mentally and practically ill-prepared for another wave.
Reality check: In both percentage change and raw terms, nationwide hospitalizations are down 82% year over year.
Zoom in: Hospitalization rates are also down 89% year over year in Ohio.
Be smart: With so little testing happening these days, compared with the height of the pandemic, hospitalization rates are now one of the best indicators for estimating broader viral spread.
Yes, but: Hospitalizations aren't a perfect metric, as quality of reporting can vary.
- It also takes time for infected people to become sick and require hospitalization. That delay means hospitalizations reflect what's already happened, rather than serving as a useful early-warning tool.