- New cases of COVID-19 in the Americas are increasing rapidly
- The silence does not mean the virus is gone
- Masks may be mandatory again in Europe
New cases of COVID-19 in the Americas are increasing rapidly
Recent reports indicate that the number of new cases of COVID-19 in the United States is growing rapidly. In response, hospitals in the country will soon be required to report coronavirus-related hospitalizations. This will reinstate the obligation lifted earlier this year. The new rules are due to enter into force on 1 November.
The collection of COVID-19 data by hospitals was a common practice at the pandemic's peak, but on 1 May these reports became voluntary. Only 33% of hospitals decided to continue publishing data. In the US, only 33 hospitals have reported COVID-19. However, starting on 1 November, hospitals will again be required to collect and publish this data[1].
The US Department of Health and Human Services' Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) announces that the information required to be reported includes confirmed cases of respiratory diseases, including COVID-19, influenza, and RSV, among hospital admissions, hospital bed occupancy and capacity, and limited demographic information on patients, including age.
CMS proposes updating the information weekly, but the Department of Health will make the final decision on the exact frequency of updates.
This change comes when the US is amid the COVID-19 summer surge. In just one week, nearly 178,000 new cases and more than 1,000 deaths have been reported[2].
The silence does not mean the virus is gone
This year, more than 4.9 million cases of coronavirus have already been reported in the US, resulting in at least 348,034 hospitalizations and 38,563 deaths.
However, some experts are reassuring and say there is no reason to panic yet. There are said to be two waves of coronavirus cases per year, one in summer and one in winter. The summer wave is usually slightly smaller, while the winter wave is larger and lasts longer. This year's summer wave is still smaller than either winter wave.
The current incidence is more likely to be associated with the new variants of COVID-19. According to the Infectious Diseases Society of America, the predominant variants this summer are KP.3.1.1, accounting for 27.8% of the total number of cases. KP.3, accounting for 20.1% of cases in the USA. These variants evolved from the Omicron strain. They are not more lethal or dangerous than the previous ones, but are more infectious.
Masks may be mandatory again in Europe
According to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) Week 32 data, the increase in COVID-19 activity started about six weeks earlier than in the summer of 2023, but the trends are similar.
In Poland, the number of cases of COVID-19 infection is also increasing. With an increasing number of patients hospitalized for severe cases of the virus, the country is close to issuing a joint statement on the return of masks to public institutions and bodies[3].
Although a peak in infections is predicted for mid-October, Poland is already experiencing increased reported deaths related to COVID-19. However, it is stressed that deceased patients routinely have secondary health problems that affect the treatment of the coronavirus and the possibility of recovery. Elderly people are also highlighted.
In this context, the Polish Chief Sanitary Inspector states that, to prevent the spread of COVID-19, influenza, and RSV, the public must again be advised to wear masks, improve hand hygiene, and resume active disinfection of surfaces, especially in public places. Sanitary services will also strongly encourage testing for coronavirus to detect infections quickly and prevent further spread.
Since the beginning of July, the Polish Ministry of Health has reported increasing cases daily. Around 200 cases were reported per day at the end of July, while in August, the number rose to 820. These figures only include tests ordered in hospitals and by doctors; results of privately conducted tests are not recorded.
A similar situation is observed in Canada. The increase in acute respiratory infections, including COVID-19 or influenza, has prompted the Canberra Health Authority to introduce temporary infection control measures in public hospitals, health centers, and walk-in clinics. In Canada, infection control measures in public health facilities include wearing masks in clinical and public areas, a maximum of two visitors per patient at any time, and reintroducing patient PCR testing.
