The rise in reported cases seen in the Northeast in recent weeks appears to have peaked but upward trends continue in at least 21 states, according to a U.S. TODAY analysis of Johns Hopkins University data. Health experts say cases are likely higher due to underreported home tests.

Although cases are rising, health experts say hospitalizations are remaining in check. The U.S. is reporting about 350 deaths per day* based on a 7-day average, which is more than a hundred deaths less than this time last summer, according to Johns Hopkins University data.

“We’re only about 10 to 15 cases higher than what we were a year ago as far as hospitalizations and there are fewer patients requiring ICU care, which is encouraging,” said Dr. Adia Ross, chief medical officer of Durham Regional Hospital. “Even though cases are up, the hospitalizations are not as high as they have been.”

(Me: 350 per day deaths means 123,200 deaths due to Covid this year, so if you think Covid is over:

• you are not paying attention
• you do not care if you or someone you love dies or contracts long Covid.
• you have decided to self-delude yourself that you are safe and don’t need to worry.)

Source: COVID-19 cases are still rising in many states. What experts say makes this summer different