COVID-19 Update: 1/13/21

The number of coronavirus cases continues to rise in the United States.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), at publication time, 22,522,749 coronavirus cases and 375,124 deaths had been reported in the US.

In late October 2020, those numbers were 8,469,976 reported coronavirus cases and 223,393 deaths. This is a difference of more than 14 million cases in less than three months.

However, the CDC noted that the agency does not know the exact number of COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations and deaths. This is because symptoms might not appear immediately, there is a delay in reporting and testing, and they know many people are not getting tested or seeking medical care. Plus, the CDC noted that there may be differences in how states are confirming COVID-19 numbers.

New information continues to become available as health officials learn more about the virus. As coronavirus cases continue to increase, the movement toward new and better treatments continues.

In fact, the FDA has approved two COVID-19 vaccines, and others are still under development. The rollout of these vaccines is happening all around the United States.

Most states have designated priority groups for receiving the COVID-19 vaccine. If you have questions about the vaccine and when you might receive it, talk to your health care provider or community pharmacist

You can take the following steps to prevent the spread of the coronavirus:

• Wear a mask in public.
• Practice social distancing.
• Wash your hands frequently.
• Follow other guidance from health officials.

Speak with your health care provider if you have any questions.