The number of new COVID-19 cases in the U.S. dropped to its lowest level in a year, according to an analysis from Reuters.
In the week ending May 23, deaths from COVID-19 fell 5% to 3,969, the analysis of state and county data revealed. New infections over that time dropped 26% to under 180,000.
The findings also coincide with higher vaccination rates around the nation. Half of states have reported that at least half of their adult populations have been vaccinated, while nine states have reported that at least 70% of the adult population has received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine.
The two states with the highest vaccination rates are Vermont (69%) and Massachusetts (65%). Unfortunately, the rate of vaccinations has been steadily declining over the last several weeks. California, Oklahoma and Nebraska had the lowest new cases based on population.
And while states are reporting higher vaccination rates, not all states are seeing improvements in the battle against the virus. For example, Hawaii reported a backlog of possible new cases, as did Delaware, which reported a backlog of testing. Michigan led the nation with the most new cases. In Wyoming, new cases were up 27% from the week prior.
Overall, about 39% of the nation’s population has been fully vaccinated, and 40% have received at least one dose, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported.
Amy joined TriMed Media as a Senior Writer for HealthExec after covering home care for three years. When not writing about all things healthcare, she fulfills her lifelong dream of becoming a pirate by sailing in regattas and enjoying rum. Fun fact: she sailed 333 miles across Lake Michigan in the Chicago Yacht Club "Race to Mackinac."