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COVID data tracker weekly review : interpretive summary for February 24, 2023
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February 24, 2023
[PDF-2.68 MB]
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Alternative Title:Evolution of Pandemic Efforts
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Description:Evolution of Pandemic Efforts
A few weeks ago, the federal government announced plans to end the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency (PHE) on May 11, 2023. COVID-19 remains a public health priority—it has impacted all aspects of daily life and contributed to a decline in life expectancy. Many people remain at higher risk for severe illness and death. However, we are in a much better place than we were three years ago. Widespread prevention and control measures like vaccination are helping transition to a new era in the pandemic. This is the first in a series of Weekly Review discussions about the end of the PHE and what it means for CDC and the data we report.
The end of the PHE doesn’t mean that CDC will stop tracking COVID-19 and sharing information and data. Most CDC COVID-19 data activities won’t be directly affected, but there will be changes. For example, some hospitalization data are now reported daily but may be reported less frequently in the future, and vaccine administration data might be reduced in some areas. To ensure the public continues to have access to COVID-19 data, CDC is working to determine which data products remain critical for monitoring public health, preparedness, and patient safety.
CDC remains dedicated to preventing severe illness and death from COVID-19, with particular concern for people who are at higher risk. COVID-19 remains a critical public health issue, still the sixth leading cause of death in the United States in January 2023. CDC is actively working with other federal government agencies and offices to maintain as much access as possible to vaccines, testing, and treatments. It remains important to stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccines, especially for people at higher risk for severe disease. Find a vaccine.
Note to Readers: The Disability Information and Access Line can help people with disabilities find local vaccination locations, make appointments, find accessible transportation options, and connect with other community resources to improve access to vaccinations.
Note to Readers: COVID Data Tracker Weekly Review will publish every other week starting March 3, 2023. Please visit CDC’s COVID Data Tracker for COVID-19 data, CDC’s Respiratory Virus Hospitalization Surveillance Network (RESP-NET) for data on respiratory virus-associated hospitalizations, and CDC’s National Emergency Department Visits for COVID-19, Influenza, and Respiratory Syncytial Virus dashboard for data on emergency department patient visits with diagnosed COVID-19, influenza, and RSV
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Content Notes:It’s time to pick out your costume and get ready to celebrate Halloween! Over the past two-plus years, we’ve learned new ways to enjoy pandemic holidays, and “outside is always safer” has been the mantra for these holiday gatherings. Luckily, that’s easy to do on Halloween, because trick-or-treating generally involves plenty of outdoor time. But that doesn’t mean it’s totally risk-free. Here are some more tips for staying COVID-safe this Halloween.
• Stay home if you’re sick. Skip the Halloween party if you aren’t feeling well.
• Get tested if you have COVID-19 symptoms.
• Take precautions in crowded or indoor events as informed by your county’s COVID-19 Community Level, like wearing a high-quality mask (and Halloween masks don’t count). Consider making the mask part of the costume—like a doctor, nurse, ninja, or cowboy.
• If you’re hosting celebrations, review options for improving ventilation in your home. This can help you reduce virus particles in your home and keep COVID-19 from spreading.
• Keep your hands clean. If you’re out trick-or-treating, bring hand sanitizer. If you’re giving out candy, wash your hands frequently.
And of course, the best way to protect yourself and others from severe illness from COVID-19 on Halloween (and every day) is to stay up to date on your COVID-19 vaccinations! Use this tool to find out when you can get a booster.
Note to Readers: On October 12, 2022, CDC recommended updated (bivalent) COVID-19 boosters for children ages 5 years and older in the United States, making the updated boosters available to millions of children in this age group.
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