But it’s not over just yet.
Most of these cases – at least 2,672 – are the more contagious variant called B.1.1.7, which was first seen in the UK. The variant has been found in 46 states, Puerto Rico and Washington, DC.
“That pressure is soaring, it’s rising,” said infectious diseases expert and epidemiologist Dr. Celine Gounder told CNN on Saturday. “So maybe we’re currently on the tense level of another hike.”
Commenting on the dangers of this variant, Michael Osterholm, director of the Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy at the University of Minnesota, warned CNN on Friday that “that virus is about to spread in the United States. United. “
The variables are a major reason why experts have once again warned that now is the time to duplicate measures that are working to prevent the spread of the virus – and not reduction of Covid-19 restrictions.
“There are so many reasons why you don’t want to withdraw right now,” Drs. Anthony Fauci told CNN late last week. “You want to design that you will be able, within a reasonable time, to withdraw. But not at a time when we are circulating changes and when you look like a platform of decline. of matters. “
These states announced unrestricted restrictions last week
Despite warnings from health leaders, several state leaders have announced that they are relaxing Covid-19 restrictions.
Meanwhile, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer unveiled a series of easier restrictions, including expanded capacity for restaurants, retail, gyms, stadiums and other amenities.
And in Louisiana, Gov. John Bel Edwards also lifted restrictions. Most businesses – including restaurants and salons – are allowed to operate at 75% capacity, although religious services no longer have capacity limits.
Meanwhile in California, all state-of-the-art sports parks, including Disneyland, Magic Mountain and Universal Studios along with reopening sports and concert venues with limited capacity will be licensed. starting on April 1, Health and Human Services Secretary Mark Ghaly announced Friday.
“We feel now is the right time to take these actions back in some way, and in a defensive way, in a slow and steady way,” Ghaly said.
Here ‘s how many Americans got vaccinated
In their ads for easier restrictions, several state leaders pointed to the growing light at the end of the tunnel and expressed hope inspired by the growing vaccine numbers.
But experts have warned the U.S. that there are still a few months to go before enough Americans get vaccinated to prevent the spread of the virus. To date, less than 10% of the country’s population has been fully vaccinated.
Last week, new research offered promising news: there is now more evidence that the B.1.1.7 variant poses little threat to vaccine efficacy.
The research, published on Thursday, shows that while the variant may hide a bit from the immune system, it is not enough to significantly reduce the value of vaccines – and does not threaten relapse. -protect people who have overcome the pre-existing dominant difference of the virus.
“These findings concluded that variation of B.1.1.7 does not appear to be a major concern for routine vaccines or for an increased risk of relapse,” the researchers wrote in their published report. in Cell Host and Microbe magazine.
Getting both doses on time is “encouraged for maximum effectiveness” in areas where the variable is circulating, the researchers said.
CNN’s Nadia Kounang, Maggie Fox, Cheri Mossburg, Hollie Silverman, Heather Law and Konstantin Toropin contributed to this report.