"Continued Surge: COVID Hospitalizations Increase for Fourth Consecutive Week"

COVID-19 hospitalizations in the US have increased for the fourth consecutive week, with 10,320 new patients hospitalized for the week ending August 5, a 14.3% increase from the previous week. The Southeast region, including Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee, has reported the highest rate of COVID-19 admissions and cases among nursing home residents. Emergency room visits for COVID-19 have been highest among seniors aged 75 and older and children aged 0 to 11 years old, with the latter seeing a steep increase. The rise in ER visits from children is concerning, and the cause is currently unclear. The EG.5 variant, although not driving a significant increase in severe disease, is becoming more prevalent and may outcompete other variants. Health officials are preparing to roll out new vaccines and booster shots in September to target XBB-related strains, which may also provide increased protection against EG.5.