CDC weekly update shows decline in COVID-19 mortality

Editor's Note

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on June 26 posted key updates for week 25, of the COVID-19 epidemic, ending June 20.

• The percentage of US deaths attributed to flu, pneumonia, or COVID-19 decreased for the ninth consecutive week to 6.9%, from 9.5% a week earlier.
• The overall COVID-19 hospitalization rate for all age groups increased to 98.4 per 100,000 people, with the highest rates in those aged 65 years and older (297.6/100,000) and 50-64 years (148.6/100,000).
• Emergency department and outpatient visits for COVID-19 symptoms remained below baseline nationwide. Most of the 10 surveillance regions reported stable outpatient visits, though the Southeast, Southwest, and South Central US saw an increase in visits for COVID-19-like symptoms.
• The percentage of lab specimens testing positive for COVID-19 increased for the third consecutive week in seven of 10 surveillance regions. Only the Midwest, Mid-Atlantic, and New England regions reported a decrease in positive tests.