Weekly COVID-19 hospitalizations have hit their lowest level ever reported since the pandemic began, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
There were 5,615 COVID hospitalizations in the most recent week data that is available.
In comparison, there were over 150,000 weekly admissions at the peak of the Omicron variant circulating in early 2022.
Forecasts of new hospitalizations from the CDC indicate that admissions will likely remain stable for the next four weeks.
The news comes as the requirements for hospitals to report respiratory illness data, like COVID hospital admissions, expire at the end of April.
“A key lesson we learned from the COVID-19 pandemic is the importance of having reporting systems in place before an active emergency,” a CDC spokesperson said in part of a statement.
COVID deaths have also been steadily declining this year, reaching new lows.
There were an estimated 231 deaths from COVID in the most recent week data that is available, according to the CDC.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that weekly COVID-19 hospitalizations have reached the lowest point since the pandemic started.
Data from the most recent week available shows 5,615 hospitalizations due to COVID-19. By contrast, during the height of the Omicron variant’s circulation in early 2022, there were more than 150,000 admissions every week.
The noteworthy reduction in COVID-19 hospitalizations and deaths to these all-time lows, according to Dr. John Brownstein, chief innovation officer at Boston Children’s Hospital and medical contributor for ABC News, “is encouraging, showing that our public health measures and vaccination efforts have paid off.”.
Admissions are expected to stay steady over the next four weeks, according to CDC forecasts of new hospitalizations.
Brownstein continued, “In order to stop potential surges, it’s critical to keep an eye out for new variants and maintain protective health behaviors.”.
The announcement coincides with the end of April’s requirements for hospitals to report data on respiratory illnesses, such as COVID hospital admissions. To keep track of the spread of illnesses, federal officials intend to use additional data sources like wastewater, laboratory testing, and emergency department data.
A CDC spokesperson stated in part of a statement, “One important lesson we learned from the COVID-19 pandemic is the importance of having reporting systems in place before an active emergency.”. “This information is extremely valuable for maintaining patient safety and health as well as public health,” the statement went on.
The updated COVID vaccine, which is designed to better protect against current sub variants, has been administered to approximately 22.6 percent of adults and 14% of children, according to CDC data. According to the CDC, older adults over 65 were advised to receive an additional updated COVID vaccine this spring because of their higher risk of developing a serious illness.
Midway through March, the independent panel of advisors for the Food and Drug Administration will convene to talk about the suggested strains for the upcoming COVID vaccine formulation. Immunizations have been modified to better protect against new strains of the virus as it has changed since the pandemic started.
Additionally, this year has seen a steady decline in COVID deaths, with new lows being reached. Per the CDC, in the most recent week for which data is available, there were an estimated 231 COVID-related deaths. On the other hand, death statistics could be lacking or delayed.
During the peak of the pandemic, the Delta variant of the virus killed over 25,000 Americans every week.
“In order to react swiftly to any changes in the virus’s behavior, it’s imperative that we continue to maintain robust surveillance and data collection,” Brownstein stated.
