COVID-19

National COVID-19 trends, August 4

COVID-19

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By

Betsy Ladyzhets

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August 4, 2026

The U.S. is about a month into a summer COVID-19 wave, with levels rising across much of the country, especially in the West and South. Still, some data sources continue to report “low” levels as compared to historical data, due to the long and lower-than-usual lull that preceded this wave.
National COVID-19 trends, July 28

COVID-19

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By

Betsy Ladyzhets

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July 28, 2026

A summer COVID-19 wave continues to pick up momentum in the U.S. While disease levels remain on the lower end compared to past summers, almost all major metrics are showing increases across the country. Other public health threats, including cyclospora and measles, are also still on the rise.
National COVID-19 trends, July 21

COVID-19

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By

Betsy Ladyzhets

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July 21, 2026

We keep seeing more signs that a summer COVID-19 wave is underway in the U.S. The South and West have the most definitive signals of increasing cases, but there are potential outbreaks across the country. Still, as we’ve had a lower-than-average lull between waves this spring, recent levels are still very low compared to past…
National COVID-19 trends, July 14

COVID-19

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By

Betsy Ladyzhets

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July 14, 2026

As of early July, it’s clear that a summer COVID-19 wave is getting started in the U.S. Disease levels are going up in the South and parts of the West Coast. While national and regional estimates are still low following a long spring lull, it’s worth noting that the latest data are usually a week…
National COVID-19 trends, July 7

COVID-19

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By

Betsy Ladyzhets

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July 7, 2026

While national COVID-19 averages remain low in the U.S., signals continue to accumulate that a summer wave is getting underway. It’s starting most prominently in the South, but there are also notable increases and hotspots in other parts of the country. As the latest data are from late June (before the recent holiday), actual COVID-19…
Wastewater testing is vital for public health. It needs sustained funding to continue beyond fall 2026.

COVID-19, Health, Policy & Advocacy

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By

Betsy Ladyzhets

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June 30, 2026

Public health organizations are calling for Congress to fund the CDC’s wastewater surveillance program — which tracks COVID-19 and other diseases — in its 2027 budget, while state health departments plan ahead for potential gaps in grants.
National COVID-19 trends, June 30

COVID-19

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By

Betsy Ladyzhets

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June 30, 2026

As of mid-June, a summer COVID-19 wave appears to be slowly starting in parts of the Southern U.S. Disease levels are still low across most of the country, though — as best as we can tell from wastewater and PCR testing data — and it may be a few weeks before we see recent increases…
Will the new COVID-19 antiviral be accessible?

COVID-19, Podcast

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By

Melanie Marich

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June 29, 2026

In June, the Food and Drug Administration approved the drug Xocova (ensitrelvir) as the very first post-exposure prophylaxis for Sars-CoV-2, and if taken within 72 hours, it could stop a SARS-CoV-2 infection in its tracks. The drug is also being studied as a potential Long COVID treatment and even maybe as a preventative. But how…
FDA approves COVID-19 antiviral Xocova as PEP. But will it be accessible?

COVID-19, Health, Science

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By

Miles W. Griffis

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June 23, 2026

Shionogi, the Japanese company that makes Xocova (ensitrelvir), said the post-exposure prophylaxis drug will be available in mid-July in the U.S. and will have a list price of $1,400. But its impact will hinge on how easily people can access it, experts say.
National COVID-19 trends, June 23

COVID-19

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By

Betsy Ladyzhets

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June 23, 2026

COVID-19 levels remain very low across much of the U.S. as a deep lull between waves continues — at least, as far as we can tell from viral levels in wastewater, which do not translate directly to infections. However, there are accumulating signals that a summer wave may start soon, particularly in parts of the…