Although Covid isn't as disruptive as it once was, the official noted that as people spend more time indoors during the winter holiday season, the virus will spread more swiftly and easily. According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the seven-day average of weekly new Covid-19 cases increased by over 50% from the prior week to more than 65,000 last week. As of december 7, according to CDC data, more over 99 million Covid-19 cases and 1.08 million fatalities had been reported in the country.
In addition to Covid-19, the US is currently seeing outbreaks of influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). The public is being urged to wear face masks indoors by a number of US cities and counties, including New York City and Los Angeles County. Primary care physician and public health expert Saju Mathew, who is based in Atlanta, Georgia, warned on thursday that "we are on the verge of another surge." As individuals travel over the holidays, Mathew added, "Wearing a well-fitting mask will go a long way in helping protect against the current respiratory infections."