The number of new cases and hospitalizations of COVID-19 has been increasing.
On Friday, a senior public health official was “deeply concerned” by the trajectory of the COVID-19 cases, and again urged Americans to continue to take precautions such as wearing masks, even when states lift restrictions on curb the spread of the virus and more people continue to be vaccinated.
CDC Director Rochelle Walensky said the number of new cases over a 7-day period was up 7% from the previous week and hospitalizations are also on the rise, which could be a warning sign for a another increase in cases where public health officials say they could be avoided.
“I am deeply concerned about this trajectory. We have seen cases and hospital admissions move from historic falls to stagnation to increases. And we know from previous surges that if we don’t control things now, there is real potential for epidemic curve to soar again, “he said in a briefing.
Johnson & Johnson’s vaccine supply is also expected to increase to 11 million doses next week, fulfilling the company’s promise to deliver 20 million doses by the end of March.
But even as vaccinations increase, Walensky said it’s still too early for people to stop wearing masks or socialize indoors, unless it’s within CDC guidelines for fully vaccinated people.
“It’s been a long year, and I know people are tired and don’t want to hear that it will take us a while longer, but it will take us a little longer,” he said.
“What I would say is that this is an individual choice. People can practice these mitigation strategies with or without their government, their government efforts.”