The US reported more than 200,000 Covid-19 cases for the first time since February on Wednesday, according to a tracker run by the University.

New York City Prepares To Raise Covid Alert Status As Cases Continue To Climb

People walk past a testing site.

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There were over 200,000 new Covid-19 cases in the U.S. on Wednesday, the highest number since February.

The Associated Press reports that experts are concerned that the U.S. may be on the verge of a sixth wave of infections.

CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky told the White House that local governments should encourage mask-wearing in public places and increase testing to prevent another wave.

The Northeast, Eastern Corridor, and upper Midwest regions of the country are seeing an increase in cases and hospitalizations.

The use of rapid tests is a very effective way of keeping infections down, according to the White House's Covid-19 task force.

Once new generation Covid-19 vaccines are available in the fall or winter, Congress should pass additional funding to buy adequate shots for all Americans.

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58.8%. The percentage of Covid-19 cases in the U.S. that were caused by the BA.2 subvariant last week was released by the CDC. The fast-rising BA.2.12.1 subvariant now accounts for 47.5% of cases, while different versions of omicron cover 99% of U.S. cases.

Crucial Quote

The best way to avoid variant is to keep the level of the virus to the lowest possible level. The U.S. government's top infectious disease official said that because the less replication, the less mutation, the less variant. He said that vaccines continue to provide strong protection against disease.

Key Background

Even as Covid-19 cases have risen across parts of the U.S., local officials have been reluctant to impose mandates or other restrictions. New York City's Democratic Mayor Eric Adams said the city was not at the point where it would require vaccine passes. The city has raised its virus alert level to high and is encouraging people to wear masks indoors. Boston doesn't plan to issue a mask mandate, but the mayor recommends that people wear them. The CDC advises mask-wearing only in areas with high levels of severe cases.

Officials say a third of the US should be considering masks.

Live updates on the coronaviruses.