CDC map shows COVID-19 hotspots in US states as mask becomes mandatory

Amidst the surge in COVID-19 cases across various U.S. regions, a map obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) highlights the areas most affected by the virus. The Midwest and Northeast are particularly witnessing a concerning uptick in infections, prompting the CDC to emphasize the need for caution. As a response to the heightened risks during the flu season, hospitals in California, Illinois, Massachusetts, New York, and Washington D.C. are reintroducing mask mandates to contain the spread of COVID-19.

The spotlight is on 'Region Seven,' encompassing Iowa, Missouri, Kansas, and Nebraska, which leads with a 18.3% positivity rate in the week ending December 23. Although this region experienced a slight 0.1% increase in positivity, it remains a cause for concern. Similarly, 'Region Five,' comprising Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, and Wisconsin, saw a marginal decrease of 0.1% in positivity rates, but a substantial 14.8% of tests returned positive results.

Healthcare institutions like Mass General Brigham in Massachusetts are actively implementing mask mandates for staff involved in direct patient contact until COVID-19 rates show signs of subsiding. Similar measures are being enforced at MedStar National Rehabilitation Hospital in Washington D.C. and NYC Health + Hospitals.

At the state level, the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) has recommended heightened mitigation efforts in healthcare facilities, while Yolo County, California, is advising mask usage in crowded indoor spaces due to elevated levels of COVID-19 and respiratory viruses.

An additional CDC map illustrates high rates of hospital admissions from Idaho to New England, extending as far south as Texas, with around 7.36% of the U.S. experiencing elevated levels of hospital admissions per 100,000 people. However, challenges arise in assessing hospitalizations in certain areas with low populations, such as Lemhi County, Idaho, where the CDC identifies a high rate of COVID-19 hospital admissions per 100,000 people despite the small population size.

CDC का नक्शा दिखाता है कि मास्क अनिवार्य होते हुए यूएस राज्यों में COVID-19 हॉटस्पॉट्स।