Across the U.S., COVID-19 activity remains elevated as early indicators and severity indicators show a slight decrease, according to the CDC.
Between the week ending Aug. 31 and the week ending Sept. 7, the percentage of test positivity declined from 16.6% to 14.9%, or a 1.6% drop. Weekly COVID-19 emergency department visits also fell 0.4%.
Among severity indicators, there was a 0.2% decrease in COVID-19 deaths, and hospitalizations declined from 3.9 to 2.5 hospitalizations per 100,000 people.
Two other updates:
1. Florida Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo, MD, PhD, again recommended not to use mRNA vaccines. In a Sept. 13 news release, he said FDA data on efficacy and safety is insufficient and, in the absence of an mRNA vaccine, advised Floridians to stay active, prioritize vegetables over processed fats and spend time outdoors for more vitamin D.
Dr. Ladapo has long criticized COVID-19 vaccines and other public health measures; the FDA and CDC have previously fired back at his claims.
2. To learn about Americans' immunization plans this virus season, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center conducted a national poll of 1,006 people in mid-August. Thirty-seven percent of the respondents said they have previously received vaccines but do not plan this year. Another 37% said they do not need the flu, COVID-19, pneumococcal and respiratory syncytial virus vaccines.
Forty-three percent of the surveyed adults said they have gotten or plan to receive a COVID-19 vaccine this fall.