The U.S. reported 63,610 confirmed new cases Oct. 15. The seven-day moving average of daily new cases was 53,405 that day, and the 14-day average was 50,137. It suggests cases are rising when the seven-day average exceeds the 14-day average, as it has been in the U.S. since Oct. 5.
Here are four other recent healthcare developments related to the coronavirus around the country:
1. There are 37,336 people currently hospitalized with COVID-19 in the U.S., the highest number since Aug. 27, according to the COVID Tracking Project.
2. Several states set new records for COVID-19 hospitalizations this week, and at least three states — Missouri, Wisconsin, Utah — hit record hospitalizations Oct. 16, according to the COVID Tracking Project.
3. HHS and the Department of Defense partnered with CVS Health and Walgreens to provide and administer COVID-19 vaccines to residents of long-term care facilities nationwide with no out-of-pocket costs. CVS and Walgreens will schedule and coordinate on-site clinic visits directly with each facility once a vaccine is authorized or approved by the FDA and recommended by CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices.
4. CMS issued new payment rules Oct. 15 for COVID-19 tests that provide quick results.
