The New York Times New York Times coroner showed that cases had increased by more than 50 percent in the past two weeks, while the DC newspaper tracker reported that the cases had doubled. However, the incidence in both cities is relatively low compared to where it was just months ago, in January. The number of new infections in DC on Wednesday was over 700, well below the roughly 9,200 reported in early January, according to the Times. The number of new infections in New York on Wednesday was about 800 cases, compared to nearly 40,000 in mid-January. In New York, COVID-19-related hospitalizations and deaths fell in the last 14 days – 17 percent and 53 percent, respectively, according to the Times. In DC, while COVID-19 deaths have risen by 5 percent in the past two weeks, hospitalizations have dropped by 39 percent. Defense and National Security: Russia intensifies attacks on Ukrainian civilians Health – WH recognizes risk of Biden being attacked by COVID The increase in cases is due in part to the contagious variant BA.2, according to the newspaper. The data suggest that the current phase of the pandemic in both cities is seeing a more contagious variation, but may not be as severe. The development comes as states weeks ago lift indoor mask orders and other COVID-19 protocols in response to reduced case numbers and other indicators. Cases have generally declined gradually in the United States, although some states, such as New York, Alaska and Colorado, are seeing an increase in case overload, according to the newspaper. The pandemic is already over two years old.
