COVID Map Highlights Thanksgiving Trends: Positivity Rates and ER Visits

 

CDC map showing regions with highest rates of positive Covid-19 tests for the week ending Nov 30

A newly released COVID map from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) sheds light on regional COVID-19 trends across the United States during Thanksgiving week. The map reveals notable patterns in test positivity rates, ER visits, and even wastewater surveillance data, offering insights into how the virus continues to affect different areas of the country.

Key Findings from the COVID Map

For the week ending November 30, the nationwide test positivity rate was 4 percent, a slight decrease from 4.5 percent the previous week. However, some states experienced significantly higher positivity rates:

• Highest Positivity Rates:

  • California, Arizona, Hawaii, and Nevada: 7.1 percent
  • Wyoming, Utah, South Dakota, North Dakota, Montana, and Colorado: 6.3 percent

• Moderate Positivity Rates:

  • Nebraska, Missouri, Kansas, and Iowa: 5.2 percent

• Lowest Positivity Rates:

  • Texas, Oklahoma, New Mexico, Louisiana, and Arkansas: 1.7 percent

ER Visits Associated with COVID-19

Nationwide, 0.6 percent of emergency room visits during Thanksgiving week were linked to COVID-19, showing a slight increase from 0.5 percent the previous week. Despite having one of the lowest positivity rates, New Mexico had the highest percentage of COVID-related ER visits at 2 percent, followed by:

• Arizona: 1.7 percent
• South Dakota and Colorado: 1.1 percent

In all other states, less than 1 percent of ER visits were related to COVID-19.

Decline in COVID-19 Deaths

The CDC data also highlights a decline in COVID-19 deaths:

• November 30: 179 deaths
• Previous week: 297 deaths
• Two weeks earlier: 453 deaths

Wastewater Surveillance Insights

The CDC's wastewater data shows that between November 17 and November 23, "very high" levels of the SARS-CoV-2 virus were detected in Idaho, New Mexico, and South Dakota. This is a significant increase compared to the previous week, where only New Mexico showed similar levels. Currently, only New Mexico continues to have "very high" levels of the virus in its wastewater.

How COVID Maps Help Public Health Efforts

COVID maps like this one from the CDC are vital for:

1. Regional Awareness: Helping local governments and communities understand infection trends.
2. Resource Allocation: Allowing healthcare facilities to prepare for potential surges.
3. Informed Decision-Making: Guiding individuals on travel and safety precautions.

Looking Ahead

As we enter the winter months, public health experts urge vigilance, especially in states with high positivity rates or COVID-related ER visits. Monitoring tools like COVID maps and wastewater data remain critical for tracking the virus's trajectory and mitigating its impact.