COVID Hospitalizations Continue to Rise in U.S., But Deaths Remain Lower Than Previous Surges

COVID-19 hospitalizations have been increasing for 7 weeks, with Florida seeing the highest rates.
New variants like BA.2.86 have emerged but do not yet account for the rise in cases.
The current increase may be driven by seasonality and return to school.
Most Americans have some immunity and boosters targeting new variants are expected soon.
Despite rising cases, hospitalizations and deaths remain much lower than in previous COVID surges.