The US surpassed 30 million cases of COVID-19 on Wednesday, underscoring the ongoing threat of the virus, even as the country makes progress on vaccinations.
While the number of new cases per day has decreased significantly from their peak in January, positivity totals remain high, at around 55,000 cases per day.
As more vulnerable people are vaccinated, the number of deaths decreases, but about 1,000 people still die from the virus every day.
More than a year after the pandemic, Americans seem to be feeling restless after months of lockdowns.
Scenes from hundreds of jumpers flooding the streets, beaches, and restaurants in Miami Beach, Florida have prompted health officials to urge people not to lower their guard.
Health officials have also warned against states lifting coronavirus restrictions until more of the population has been vaccinated.
Leaders in states like Texas and Mississippi have lifted coronavirus restrictions, including mask mandates and corporate social distance requirements.
‘If I’m often asked,’ Are we going around the corner? ‘my answer is actually more,’ We’re on the corner. Whether or not we are going to turn that corner remains to be seen, ” Anthony Fauci
Anthony FauciThe Hill’s Morning Report – Biden Relies Heavy on Gun Control Overnight Health Care: AstraZeneca May Have Included Outdated Vaccine Research Data, Officials Say | Pelosi says drug pricing measure is under discussion for infrastructure package | Biden Administration Extends Special Enrollment for ObamaCare Until August The Hill’s 12:30 PM Report – Presented By Facebook – Congratulations on ObamaCare MOREthe government’s chief infectious disease expert said Wednesday at a White House briefing.
With about 55,000 cases every day, “I don’t think you can declare victory and say you’ve turned the corner,” he added. “You have to keep doing what we’re doing: keep taking more vaccinations and taking public health measures until we really turn the corner.”
The country is now vaccinating people with a solid clip, about 2.5 million shots a day.
Of those over 65, the most vulnerable group, 70 percent have now received at least one injection, according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Data.
Yet, of all adults, about 18 percent are fully vaccinated and 33 percent have received at least one dose, indicating that there is still a significant way to go in vaccinating the public before a full “return to normal” can occur.
Experts say people should still wear masks in public and avoid crowds and travel.
“I am still concerned about the latest data and the apparent stagnation we are seeing in the pandemic trajectory,” said Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Director Rochelle WalenskyRochelle WalenskyThe Hill’s Morning Report – Biden Relies Heavy on Gun Control Overnight Health Care: AstraZeneca May Have Included Outdated Vaccine Research Data, Officials Say | Pelosi says drug pricing measure is under discussion for infrastructure package | Biden Administration Extends Special ObamaCare Enrollment Until August Teachers Union ‘Unconvinced’ Of CDC Guidelines To Reduce Classroom Spacing MORE said Wednesday. “CDC is following these numbers very closely. As I said on Monday, the decisions we make now will determine what the pandemic looks like in the coming days and weeks. “