US COVID-19 Deaths Back to 2,000s

Rising Back to the 2,000s Since March
New Confirmed and Hospitalized Cases Slow Down... Delta Variant at 99.7%

[Asia Economy International Department Reporter] The number of deaths from COVID-19 infections has exceeded an average of 2,000 per day.

The New York Times (NYT) reported that as of the 18th (local time), the 7-day average daily COVID-19 deaths in the United States was 2,012. This is a 30% increase compared to two weeks ago and the first time since March 1 of this year (2,043 deaths) that the number has surpassed 2,000.

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

However, the spread of new confirmed cases and hospitalized patients showed signs of slowing down. As of the 18th, the 7-day average daily new confirmed cases was 148,252, an 8% decrease compared to two weeks ago, and the 7-day average daily hospitalized patients was 95,356, a 7% decrease. Despite the slowdown in the spread, the increase in deaths is interpreted as deaths lagging behind the trends of new confirmed cases and hospitalized patients by several weeks.

The NYT, citing data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), reported that 99.7% of the COVID-19 cases spreading in the U.S. are the 'Delta variant.' According to the CDC’s biweekly genetic sequencing analysis report, the proportion of the Delta variant was just over one-quarter in mid-June but reached 99.7% by September 11.

One Delta strain, 'B.1.617.2,' accounted for 99.4%, while other Delta strains accounted for 0.2% and 0.1%, respectively. Following that, the 'Mu variant' accounted for 0.1%, and other variants and unidentified variants made up the remaining 0.2%.

Dr. Saskia Perpescu of George Mason University said, "It is not unexpected because Delta is more contagious," but added, "It reminds us once again that we need to remain vigilant." Dr. Perpescu emphasized, "The most important thing is 'not to let our guard down,'" adding, "Continuous surveillance, genetic sequencing analysis, testing, and access to public health prevention measures are necessary."