Global deaths surged 57%
As of Oct. 16, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimated that Covid infections were increasing in 11 states, remaining stable in 33 and declining in seven.
Although national activity was still considered low, wastewater surveillance suggested the virus was spreading more rapidly in several regions.
“We’ve been seeing a pretty steady increase since late June across the (U.S.),” Amanda Bidwell, scientific program manager at WastewaterSCAN, told TODAY.
By late August, concentrations of SARS-CoV-2 in wastewater had increased 140% compared with July.
“In the west and south we’ve surpassed the peak concentrations observed during the winter peak (2025-2026),” Bidwell added.
Across the Atlantic, the numbers were equally concerning, with the UKHSA recording a 13.5% increase in weekly Covid cases as of Oct. 7, while hospital admissions climbed 33.5% and reported deaths rose 46.4% over their respective reporting periods.
And the concern extends well beyond the US and UK, with the World Health Organization (WHO) reporting 69,783 new Covid cases across 61 countries between Sept. 7 and Oct. 4, while reported deaths surged 57% compared with the previous reporting period.
