COVID-19 Spike: Coronavirus Cases Increase by 12% This Summer

The number of COVID-19 cases has increased this summer. The incident wasn't surprising as it was also the case in previous years.

COVID-19 Summer Wave

Cases of Covid-19 are now again increasing. Midway through July, the number of hospitalizations caused by the virus increased, rising by 13% to little over 8,000 in the US during the week ending July 22, Wired reported.

However, July saw the first weekly increases in hospitalizations since the US ended the federal Covid-19 public health emergency in May, just one week after the World Health Organization did the same with its global public health emergency. This is still far below the pandemic peaks that overwhelmed healthcare workers.

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention stopped closely monitoring the virus once the Covid-19 emergency classification expired. However, statistics suggest that illnesses are still spreading.

A 42 percent test positivity rate was recorded by the pharmacy chain Walgreens in the latter week of July, up from a 29 percent rate in late June. Additionally, wastewater samples reveal rising viral concentrations across the nation. Additionally on the rise are Covid cases in Japan and the UK.

Since 2020, SARS-CoV-2 has increased every summer. It wasn't surprising that a wave occured this summer, according to Katelyn Jetelina, the author of the online health publication "Your Local Epidemiologist." She believed that one summer wave and one winter wave were beginning to appear.

According to Mariana Matus, CEO and co-founder of Biobot Analytics, wastewater testing, which may detect traces of the virus discharged in feces, has revealed a "sustained" increase in Covid-19 concentrations over several weeks. Biobot Analytics is a firm that monitors the presence of Covid-19, Mpox, and opioids in US wastewater.

She added that the data from Biobot Analytics is useful because it doesn't exclude people who can't afford testing or don't report the results of at-home tests. It can also demonstrate the presence of Covid-19 in a community before a significant number of people receive test results or are hospitalized.

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How to Protect Yourself From COVID-19

As the coronavirus cases continue to increase, one should look after themselves to keep the virus away. World Health Organization (WHO) has encouraged the public to always wear a mask.

Wearing a mask slows the spread of respiratory infections throughout the population by limiting the amount of infectious particles that may be inhaled or exhaled. When an infected person talks, sings, shouts, coughs, or sneezes, these particles may be disseminated. As a result, masks may offer protection to both the wearer and those nearby.

In addition to wearing masks, one should maintain social distancing, practice respiratory etiquette by covering the mouth and nose with a bent elbow or a tissue when coughing or sneezing, get vaccinated, and keep up with booster shots.

It's also recommended to avoid crowded and poorly ventilated spaces and improve ventilation in indoor spaces. The National Jewish Health also advised avoiding touching eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands, cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched objects, keeping nails short, staying at home when sick, and washing hands with soap for at least 20 minutes.