CDC Tracking COVID-19 Hospitalizations, Deaths, and Vaccinations Instead of Cases

ATLANTA, GEORGIA – The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has ceased tracking the number of COVID-19 cases in the United States. Instead, the organization is now focusing on monitoring hospitalizations, deaths related to the virus, and vaccination rates. The decision to stop tracking case counts comes after a decline in the reporting of COVID-19 data by individual states, leading to the discontinuation of the CDC’s case counting as part of its COVID Tracker.

The CDC’s shift in focus reflects a change in the agency’s approach to measuring the activity of the virus in the U.S. Rather than relying on case counts, the CDC is now analyzing trends in hospitalizations and deaths related to COVID. These indicators provide valuable insights into the spread and impact of the virus, allowing the CDC to assess the current state of the pandemic.

In the most recent week, the CDC reported a total of 20,772 new hospital admissions related to COVID in the U.S, with a 10% decrease from the previous week. Additionally, the CDC has reported a decrease of 6.1% in deaths attributed to COVID as of February 9, 2024. These figures reflect the ongoing efforts to monitor and understand the impact of the virus on public health.

To provide the public with the most current COVID case counts, the CDC advises individuals to check with their local public health department. This decentralized approach to accessing COVID data reflects the agency’s emphasis on state and local-level reporting and decision-making.

In addition to monitoring hospitalizations and deaths, the CDC is also tracking COVID vaccination rates. The agency provides estimates for the number of people in the U.S. who have received COVID vaccines, including booster doses. These vaccination rates play a crucial role in understanding the progress of vaccination efforts and their impact on controlling the spread of the virus.

As the CDC continues to adapt its approach to tracking COVID-19 data, the agency’s focus on hospitalizations, deaths, and vaccination rates reflects a broader shift in the public health response to the pandemic. By prioritizing these key indicators, the CDC aims to provide the public and policymakers with valuable insights into the evolving landscape of COVID-19 in the United States.