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New coronavirus cases in the United States have fallen to pre-Thanksgiving levels, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) chief said on Wednesday, and infection rates continue to fall.
“We now appear to be on a consistent downward trajectory” for cases and hospital admissions, CDC director Rochelle WalenskyRochelle WalenskyThe Hill’s Morning Report – Brought to you by Facebook – Biden, GOP Senators Begin Talks; Dems Advances Nighttime Health Care: White House Allocates $ 0 Million To Step Up Home Testing | Schumer promises Senate to pass ‘bold’ coronavirus bill | Biden officials defend two-dose strategy amid fears of variants Biden officials defend two-dose strategy amid fears of PLUS variants told reporters during a White House briefing on COVID-19.
Cases have declined since peaking on Jan.8, dropping 13.4% to an average of nearly 144,000 a day from Jan.26 to Feb.1, Walensky said.
Deaths continue to rise, but the pace is slowing. Deaths are a late indicator, so it will take time before they reflect the lower rates of infection and hospitalization.
“The recent drop in hospitalizations gives us hope that the number of deaths should start to decline in the coming weeks,” Walensky said.
The decrease in the number of infections has led states and cities to start repealing some of the restrictions that had been in place since before the December break, such as bans on indoor eating.
Despite the relatively positive news, the number of infections is still twice the maximum number of cases over the summer, and the United States still averages more than 3,000 deaths per day.
Walensky warned Americans not to let their guard down, especially as variants that likely have increased transmissibility continue to multiply.
Experts say the best way to prevent the spread of variants is for people to follow basic public health precautions, like avoiding large crowds, wearing masks, and physically distancing themselves, as well as getting vaccinated as early as possible. .
Walensky specifically warned of people gathering indoors in large groups for Super Bowl parties this weekend, saying people should instead gather virtually or with immediate family members.
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