COVID-19 Cases Surge Ahead of Labor Day Weekend

The United States is experiencing a surge in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations as it enters the Labor Day weekend. Hospitalizations have increased by 18.8% in the past week and 86.9% over the past month. New COVID hospital admissions have risen for seven consecutive weeks and are expected to continue increasing. Los Angeles County has seen a doubling of cases in the last month, particularly in nursing homes. Retailers and pharmacies are facing increased demand for COVID testing, leading to temporary shortages. Three new COVID variants are contributing to the spread. Some hospital systems and medical facilities have reinstated mask mandates. The CDC expects a new COVID booster to be available by the end of September.