National COVID-19 trends, September 22
While national averages for COVID-19 metrics appear to be at a peak or plateau as of mid-September, the picture actually looks pretty different from region to region. COVID-19 spread seems to have peaked for the summer in the South, but may still be increasing in the West and is starting to go up more in Northern states. The post National COVID-19 trends, September 22 first appeared on The Sick…
National COVID-19 trends as of September 22, according to the CDC and wastewater surveillance data, show mixed regional patterns. Overall, test positivity rates decreased by 10% during the week ending September 12. However, the situation varies significantly across the country.
In the South, wastewater and healthcare data indicate decreasing COVID-19 cases, with cases in 13 states estimated to be "declining or likely declining" by the CDC's infectious disease forecasting center. Texas, though, has "very high" wastewater viral activity levels, despite the agency's recent update of its national average to "low."
The West is experiencing conflicting data. While the CDC's regional average shows a decline, other organizations report a plateau or increase. Test positivity is plateauing in the Southwest and increasing in the Northwest, but COVID-19 levels remain high in this region.
The Northeast and Midwest are starting to see rising COVID-19 spread after lower levels throughout the summer. Cases are estimated to be growing or likely growing in 27 states by the CDC's forecasting center. Wastewater surveillance expert Marc Johnson noted that SARS-CoV-2 was among the most elevated viruses in recent samples, indicating an increase since winter 2025-26.
Regarding vaccines, some experts are concerned about their availability through the CDC's Vaccines for Children program, which provides free vaccinations to uninsured and underinsured children. The decision on whether COVID-19 vaccines will be part of this program this year remains uncertain, potentially leading to increased severe infections and Long COVID among children.
Written by urgent.news from The Sick Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
