Mortality Attributed to COVID-19 Remained Stable During Week #41

In the USA, the percentage of specimens testing positive for SARS-CoV-2 and the percentage of visits to emergency departments or outpatient providers for COVID-like illness and influenza-like illness has increased slightly in recent weeks. As of October 16, 2020, COVID-19 related hospitalizations and mortality attributed to COVID-19 remained stable or declined but this may change as more data are received, reported the U.S. CDC.

Nationally, the overall percentage of respiratory specimens testing positive for the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus that causes COVID-19 increased to 5.4% during week #41. Percent positivity decreased slightly among those 18-49 years but increased among the other age groups.

The CDC COVID Data Tracker data published on October 16th, indicates there have been over 130 million diagnostic tests, excluding antibody, and antigen tests,