The COVID-19 pandemic has been affecting Americans and other nations worldwide for more than seven months.
While some countries have gotten the virus under control and have resumed normal routines with limits and adjustments, the virus is surging in other areas, fueling continued concerns while researchers continue to develop vaccine options.
Many U.S. states imposed shutdowns and mask mandates, among other guidelines, over the last seven months, and cities have seen dramatic decreases in the number of new cases reported.
During the summer, many states saw a significant drop in new cases, but less than a month into fall, numbers are on the rise again, according to pubic health officials.
Take New York, for example: Once considered the epicenter of the virus, the state reported nearly 10,000 new cases in one day on April 7. On Aug. 22, 600 new cases were recorded. About 1,500 new cases were reported in the state Saturday.
Florida, which reported almost 12,000 new cases on July 14, reported about 2,500 new cases on Sept. 11, but is now seeing an upward trend in cases, with 3,433 new cases reported Saturday.
According to Johns Hopkins University & Medicine, all 50 states have reported data since February, but 22 reported their highest numbers of single-day increases this weekend.
Those states are as follows: Arkansas, Colorado, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, New Mexico, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, West Virginia and Wyoming.
Three other states -- Alaska, Nebraska and Wisconsin -- reported their highest single-day increases earlier in October.
In New Mexico, COVID-19 hospitalizations have increased by 101% in the first half of October.
The state’s governor, Michelle Lujan Grisham, urged residents Saturday to stay home, limit interactions with others and wear masks.
Cox Media Group
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