National data tracked by The New York Times indicates the U.S. may see an increase in COVID-19 cases in the coming weeks as test positivity rates rise and more states report a boost in admissions.
On Feb. 13, test positivity rates were flat, and eight states reported a growth in COVID-19 admissions. Three days later, 10 percent of PCR tests used by labs and state health departments came up positive — a 2 percent increase in the past two weeks. The falling rate in cases, deaths and hospitalizations on Feb. 13 were double digits but are now single-digits, meaning the reprieve is slowing.
And nearly twice as many states have seen a boost in COVID-19 hospitalizations. Following a two-week change in admissions, the 14 states marking an uptick are:
- California — 1 percent increase
- Hawaii — 8 percent
- Idaho — 4 percent
- Louisiana — 7 percent
- Minnesota — 2 percent
- Mississippi — 87 percent
- Montana — 28 percent
- North Dakota — 36 percent
- Oregon — 8 percent
- South Dakota — 26 percent
- Tennessee — 3 percent
- Utah — 37 percent
- Vermont — 11 percent
- Washington — 23 percent