Across the nation, health experts are becoming concerned about the possibility of another COVID-19 outbreak. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky recently told reporters that she was “deeply concerned” about the trajectory of COVID-19 infections around the country. Over the last few days, the U.S. has reported more than 80,000 new cases. This figure has not been this high since mid-February. Furthermore, the most recent seven-day average of new COVID-19 cases is up 7% from last week.
One of the hardest-hit areas has been Florida. In the wake of relaxed restrictions and Spring Break tourism, the Sunshine State has reported 2,330 variant COVID-19 cases — the highest in the country. A large portion of these variant cases have been the B.1.1.7 strain found in the U.K. Also, medical professionals have detected 42 cases of the P.2 strain.
The state of Massachusetts has also experienced a sharp uptick in COVID-19 cases. Recently, the number COVID-19 infections has shot up by nearly 40%. Statewide, nearly three dozens states have been labeled “red zones” for high COVID-19 transmission.
These recent COVID-19 surges are not specific to Massachusetts and Florida. Twenty-two states have experienced an increase of 10% or more in daily recorded COVID-19 cases. As the nation hopes for a speedy recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, it is important to remember that the pandemic is not over yet.
