The CDC now estimates that COVID-19 infections are growing or likely growing in 43 states, with none declining and seven showing no change, according to modeling current as of August 5. That is a broader footprint than the regional signal reported earlier this summer, and it arrives while national respiratory illness activity overall remains at low levels.
The two facts are not in conflict, and understanding why is the point. The estimate describes direction, not burden. It says infections are increasing in most of the country. It does not say hospitals are filling or that emergency departments are strained.
