COVID-19 cases may be dwindling, but the United States is far from out of the pandemic as COVID-19 deaths are still much higher than deaths from common seasonal viruses, a group of experts recently said.
What’s going on: A group of scientists recently filed a 136-page report that found deaths from COVID-19 are much higher than deaths from seasonal respiratory viruses.
- The report — which was written by doctors and public health experts — said that the U.S. is still seeing an “intolerable” level of death from COVID-19 that is higher than the flu or respiratory syncytial virus (commonly known as RSV).
By the numbers: In one example, at least 1,150 people died per week from RSV or the flu in one year, per CNBC. But COVID-19 has led to 12,000 deaths per week in some weeks.
- In fact, 9,000 people died from COVID-19 alone in the last week, according to CNBC.
What they’re saying: Dr. Rochelle Walensky, director of the Centers for Disease Control, said on the Monday night edition of “NBC Nightly News” that the COVID-19 pandemic is entering a new phase, but it is far from over.
- “I think we are in a new phase where we can start to getting back to doing many of the things that we have liked to do and where we have to remain vigilant,” she said.
What’s next: In fact, experts have said that another new COVID-19 variant could emerge soon, as I reported for the Deseret News. Local leaders should use the current lull period to plan for a potential future outbreak, experts said.