As Independence Day approaches, it’s clear that COVID-19 is still a concern. Emergency departments (EDs) are seeing a noticeable uptick in COVID-19 symptoms. According to the CDC, COVID-19 related ED visits increased by 23% during the week of June 16-22. States with larger populations experienced even higher spikes.
- Florida: 35%
- Texas: 29%
- New York: 24%
Despite this rise, COVID-19 cases constitute less than 1% of all ED visits across the country.
Hospitalization rates have remained stable and significantly lower compared to December 2023.
Age-adjusted death rates have also remained low.
Summary: COVID-19 cases in EDs are increasing, especially in states like Florida (+35%). However, the overall percentage of ED visits due to COVID-19 is still low. Hospitalization and death rates remain low in absolute terms.
Implications for the ED: With the holiday approaching, a continued increase in cases is likely as people gather with friends and family. This may lead to more complications. Stay informed on case definitions and treatment for COVID-19 related illnesses by reading the following resources:
- COVID-19, MIS-C, and Long COVID in Pediatric Patients: An Update
- A Practice-Based Approach to Emergency Department Evaluation and Management of Patients With Postacute Sequelae after COVID-19 Infection: Long COVID
Sam Ashoo, MD, FACEP, is board certified in emergency medicine and clinical informatics. He serves as EB Medicine’s editor-in-chief of interactive clinical pathways and FOAMEd blog, and host of EB Medicine’s EMplify podcast. Follow him below for more…
