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CDC Ends Community-Level COVID-19 Tracking: What to Know

by Peter
written by Peter

CDC Ends Community-Level COVID-19 Tracking

Background

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has announced that it will soon stop tracking the spread of COVID-19 at the community level. This decision comes as the nationwide public health emergency declared in January 2020 is set to expire on May 11.

Impact of Ending Public Health Emergency

The end of the public health emergency will have several implications:

  • The price of some COVID-19 treatments could increase.
  • Vaccines and at-home tests might not be free for as many people.
  • Labs will no longer be required to report COVID-19 testing data to the federal government.

CDC’s New Monitoring Approach

With the end of the public health emergency, the CDC will no longer have access to the same data it currently uses to track community levels of COVID-19. As a result, the agency will update its measure for conveying risk based on data that will still be available.

The CDC will continue to monitor cases of the virus through:

  • Hospitalizations: This indicator provides a delayed notice about an increase in cases compared to test data, as people can test positive and be contagious before being hospitalized.
  • Wastewater testing: This method can detect the presence of the virus even when people are not experiencing symptoms or seeking testing.

Current COVID-19 Situation in the US

Currently, the US is averaging:

  • Over 1,000 deaths per week
  • Over 1,500 hospitalizations per day
  • Around 88,000 reported cases per week

While deaths have fallen since the beginning of the year, around 7.5% of adults in the US are experiencing long COVID symptoms. Additionally, only 16.7% of the US population has received an updated bivalent booster.

Implications for Reporting and Surveillance

After the public health emergency ends, doctors will still have to report COVID-19 cases to health officials. However, the frequency of reporting could drop significantly, with some states reporting as sparingly as once per month.

This reduced reporting frequency may result in less timely data on the spread of the virus. However, the CDC is working to mitigate this by developing new surveillance methods that rely on data that will still be available.

Community Level Tracker Replaced

The CDC’s current community level tracker, which uses hospitalizations and case numbers to determine spread, replaced a previous one that used infection rates and percentage of positive tests. This change resulted in many communities previously considered high risk being reclassified as medium or low risk. As of April 13, 2023, 97% of counties, districts, and territories were considered to have a low level of spread.

Conclusion

The CDC’s decision to stop tracking community levels of COVID-19 reflects the evolving nature of the pandemic and the need to adjust surveillance methods as the virus becomes more endemic. While the end of the public health emergency may bring some challenges, the CDC is committed to providing the information necessary to protect public health.

Peter is a marketer with a background in business and a passion for writing. With a keen eye for detail and a talent for crafting compelling narratives, Peter has carved out a niche for himself as a versatile contributor to LifeScienceArt.com, where he enjoys sharing his insights and expertise across a wide array of topics. Peter's journey into the world of marketing began with his university education in business. He earned his Bachelor's degree in Business Administration. His academic pursuits were characterized by a deep understanding of market dynamics, consumer behavior, and strategic planning. This foundation laid the groundwork for his successful career in marketing, where he has applied his knowledge to help businesses grow and thrive in competitive landscapes. Throughout his career, Peter has worked with a diverse range of companies, from startups to large multinational conglomerates, helping them develop and execute effective marketing strategies. His experience spans various industries, including technology, healthcare, and consumer goods, reflecting his adaptability and broad skill set. Peter's ability to blend analytical thinking with creative problem-solving has made him a valuable asset in any organization he works with. Despite his busy professional life, Peter has always made time for his true passion: writing. He finds joy in the written word and believes in its power to inform, inspire, and connect people. This passion has found a perfect outlet in LifeScienceArt.com, where he contributes to all sections of the site. Whether it's penning thought-provoking articles on the latest trends in life sciences, crafting engaging profiles of industry leaders, or writing insightful pieces on art and its intersection with science, Peter brings a unique voice and perspective to his work. One of the aspects Peter cherishes most about his role at LifeScienceArt.com is the opportunity to collaborate with a wonderful cohort of writers. He values the camaraderie and the shared commitment to excellence that characterize the team. Working alongside talented and passionate individuals inspires him to continually hone his craft and push the boundaries of his writing. Outside of his professional pursuits, Peter is an avid reader and a lifelong learner. He enjoys exploring new ideas, delving into diverse genres of literature, and staying abreast of developments in science and art. His curiosity and enthusiasm for learning are reflected in his writing, where he strives to bring fresh insights and a nuanced understanding to his readers. Peter's story is one of dedication, versatility, and a deep-seated love for both marketing and writing. His contributions to LifeScienceArt.com not only enrich the site's content but also underscore the importance of passion and collaboration in creating meaningful and impactful work.

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