Where it stands: The U.S. is now averaging about 59,000 new infections per day — the most since early August. New cases were up by about 15% over the past week.
That’s the sixth straight week of increases, following a brief improvement after the summer’s surge in cases.
Hospitalizations are up, too. There are about 39,000 people in the hospital today for COVID-19, also the most since early August.
In 16 states, the share of hospital beds occupied by COVID patients is as high right now as it’s been at any point in the pandemic.
