CDC updated its framework to monitor the level of #COVID19 in communities. This framework moves beyond looking just at cases & test positivity to evaluate factors that reflect severity of disease, including hospitalizations & hospital capacity.

bit.ly/covid-by-county COVID-19 Community Levels:
🟢Low = limited impact on healthcare system & low levels of severe illness
🟡Medium = some impact on healthcare system & more people with severe illness
🟠High = high potential for healthcare strain & high level of severe illness
bit.ly/community_leve…

At @CDCgov, we have been analyzing our #COVID19 data and shifting our focus to preventing the most severe outcomes and minimizing healthcare strain.🧵 Overall risk of severe disease due to #COVID19 is generally lower with widespread population immunity through vaccination, boosters & prior infection.

We also have more tools:
➡️Testing
➡️High quality masks
➡️More treatments
➡️Improved ventilation

We are watching #COVID19 data closely & there are some hopeful signs:
• During 1/18-1/24, the 7-day average of new hospital admissions of patients w/ COVID-19 decreased by 15.5%.
• During 1/19-1/25, the 7-day average # of deaths decreased by 4.9% & new cases decreased by 21%.

https://twitter.com/WHCOVIDResponse/status/1354459130149232642

Though I am hopeful, now is the time to remain vigilant because the highest number of deaths reported in a day during the outbreak was Jan 20th, with 4,383 deaths. CDC’s most recent forecast predicts that 479,000 to 514,000 COVID-19 deaths will be reported by February 20, 2021.

It is a privilege to join @CDCgov. For 75 years, CDC has carried out a mission to protect America’s safety, health, & security at home & abroad. I recognize the seriousness of the moment - the toll that #COVID19 has had on America is truly heartbreaking. bit.ly/3sFsbqt #COVID19 has greatly impacted all of us through the loss of our loved ones & the loss of our beloved ways of life. I have seen first-hand the many difficulties COVID-19 brings to our frontline workers, first responders, hospitals, public health systems, communities & loved ones.

#COVID19 can spread rapidly within households, according to a new @CDCMMWR. Over half of people who lived in the same house as someone infected with the virus got it too. bit.ly/MMWR103020 If you suspect you have #COVID19, are getting tested, or have tested positive, immediately isolate at home in a separate bedroom and bathroom if possible. All household members should wear a mask when in shared spaces in the house to reduce the spread of COVID-19.

As of 8/27, 215 possible cases of severe respiratory disease associated w/ use of #ecigarette products have been reported from 25 states. @CDCgov and @US_FDA are working closely with state & local health officials to investigate. bit.ly/2MItTWB .@CDCgov is helping states investigate whether the respiratory illnesses may be linked to specific devices, ingredients or contaminants in the devices, or substances associated with #ecigarette product use.

I want to assure you there are no banned words at CDC. We will continue to talk about all our important public health programs. You may be understandably concerned about recent media reports alleging that CDC is banned from using certain words in budget documents. I want to assure you that CDC remains committed to our public health mission as a science- and evidence-based institution.