COVID Hospitalizations Surge in Multiple US States

Fourteen U.S. states, primarily in the upper Midwest, parts of the South Atlantic, and southern Mountain regions, have experienced a significant increase in COVID-19 hospitalizations compared to the previous week, according to new maps from the CDC. The rise in hospitalizations is expected as colder weather and lower immunity during the winter months contribute to increased virus spread. While hospitalizations have remained stable since September, they are still well below the peak levels seen earlier this year. Vermont, Iowa, and Alaska have seen the highest increases in hospitalizations, while Florida and Massachusetts have experienced moderate decreases.