Surge in COVID Cases Across U.S. States

The CDC has reported that COVID-19 levels are 'very high' in 32 states, with Omicron variants KP.3 and KP.3.1.1 accounting for a significant portion of cases. Despite the rise in cases, COVID-related deaths remain at record low levels compared to previous surges. In Summit County, over 300 new cases were reported in August, highlighting ongoing transmission, although the public health risk is considered low. Nationwide, wastewater monitoring indicates a continuous rise in COVID activity, with positivity rates peaking at over 17%. As vaccine demand wanes and the cost of new vaccines is expected to exceed $100, health officials anticipate even lower uptake for the upcoming fall booster. Experts emphasize the importance of staying updated with vaccinations to mitigate the effects of the evolving virus.