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New Variants of the Virus that Causes COVID-19

Multiple variants of the virus that causes COVID-19 are circulating globally. So far, studies suggest that antibodies generated through vaccination with currently authorized vaccines recognize these variants. This is being closely investigated and more studies are underway. Rigorous and increased compliance with public health mitigation strategies, such as vaccination, physical distancing, use of masks, hand hygiene, and isolation and quarantine, is essential to limit the spread of the virus that causes COVID-19 and protect public health. 

Requirement for Face Masks on Public Transportation

Traveling on public transportation increases a person’s risk of getting and spreading COVID-19. CDC has issued an order that requires face masks to be worn by all travelers while on public transportation (including all passengers and all personnel operating conveyances). Masks completely covering the mouth and nose must be worn while awaiting, boarding, disembarking, or traveling on airplanes, ships, ferries, trains, subways, buses, taxis, and ride-shares as they are traveling into, within, or out of the United States and U.S. territories. People must also wear masks while at transportation hubs (e.g., airports, bus or ferry terminals, train and subway stations, seaports) and other locations where people board public transportation in the United States and U.S. territories. 

COVID Data Tracker

CDC’s home for COVID-19 data, the COVID Data Tracker, has a new homepage with updated tools and features. These improvements make it easier to find needed data to help protect yourself, your family, and your community. Data are updated daily, and new features are added every week. 

Safer Ways to Enjoy the Super Bowl

Gathering virtually or with the people you live with is the safest way to celebrate the Super Bowl this year. If you do have a small gathering with people who don’t live with you, outdoors is safer than indoors. This year, choose a safer way to enjoy the game.

• Host a virtual Super Bowl watch party.
• Make appetizers or snacks with the people you live with to enjoy while watching the game.
• Start a text group with other fans to chat about the game while watching.
• Attend an outdoor viewing party where viewers can sit 6 feet apart.

If you choose to attend the Super Bowl or a large Super Bowl event, like a watch party, follow these steps to make yourself safer:

• Call the venue to ensure that they have steps in place to prevent the spread of the virus.
• Follow signage at the venue to allow for social distancing.
• Arrive to the venue early to avoid crowding and congested areas.

New Toolkit for Pregnant People and New Parents

CDC’s latest COVID-19 resource offers information on pregnancy, breastfeeding, and caring for infants during COVID-19. The Toolkit offers steps to protect yourself and stay healthy, such as

• Limit interactions with people who might have COVID-19, including people in your household.
• When you do interact with people outside your household, wear a mask and stay at least 6 feet apart.
• Wash your hands often.

If you are pregnant, attend all prenatal care appointments, get recommended vaccines, and make sure you have at least a 30-day supply of any medicines you take. Call your healthcare provider if you have questions related to your pregnancy and seek care immediately if you have a medical emergency. 

Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in the U.S.

February 1, 2021

In the United States, there have been 26,034,475 confirmed cases of COVID-19 detected through U.S. public health surveillance systems in 50 states and the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam, the Northern Marianas Islands, and U.S. Virgin Islands.

CDC provides updated U.S. case information online daily.

In addition to cases, deaths, and laboratory testing, CDC’s COVID Data Tracker now has a Vaccinations tab to track distribution of COVID-19 vaccines in your state.

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Masks Protect You & Me

Masks are an additional step to prevent people from getting and spreading COVID-19. They provide a barrier that keeps respiratory droplets from spreading. When we all wear masks, we take care of each other and everyone is protected.

For the most protection, take all these steps.

• Wear a mask
• Stay 6 feet apart
• Avoid crowds and poorly ventilated places
• Wash your hands

V-safe After Vaccination Health Checker

V-safe is a smartphone-based tool that uses text messaging and web surveys to provide personalized health check-ins after you receive a COVID-19 vaccination. Through v-safe, you can quickly tell CDC if you have any side effects from the COVID-19 vaccine. This information helps CDC monitor the safety of COVID-19 vaccines in near real time. Depending on your answers, someone from CDC may call to check on you and get more information.

Isolate If You Are Sick

Isolation is used to separate people infected with COVID-19 from those who are not infected. People who are in isolation should stay home until it’s safe for them to be around others.

If you think or know you had COVID-19 and had symptoms you can be with others after

• At least 10 days since symptoms first appeared AND
• At least 24 hours with no fever without fever-reducing medication AND
• Other symptoms of COVID-19 are improving

**Loss of taste and smell may persist for weeks or months after recovery and need not delay the end of isolation

Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in the U.S.

January 20, 2021

In the United States, there have been 23,982,584 confirmed cases of COVID-19 detected through U.S. public health surveillance systems in 50 states and the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam, the Northern Marianas Islands, and U.S. Virgin Islands.

CDC provides updated U.S. case information online daily.

In addition to cases, deaths, and laboratory testing, CDC’s COVID Data Tracker now has a Vaccinations tab to track distribution of COVID-19 vaccines in your state.

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What to Expect After Getting a COVID-19 Vaccine

COVID-19 vaccination will help protect you from getting COVID-19. You may have some side effects, which are normal signs that your body is building protection. These side effects may affect your ability to do daily activities, but they should go away in a few days. If you have pain or discomfort, talk to your doctor about taking an over-the-counter medicine, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen. Common side effects include pain and swelling in the arm where you receive the shot. 

Improving Ventilation in Your Home

Staying home with only members of your household is the best way to keep COVID-19 out of your home. However, if a visitor needs to be in your home, improving ventilation (air flow) can help prevent virus particles from accumulating in the air in your home. Good ventilation, along with other preventive actions, can help prevent you from getting and spreading COVID-19. There are ways you can improve ventilation in your home. Use as many ways as you can (open windows, use air filters, and turn on fans) to help clear out virus particles in your home faster.

New COVID-19 Variants

Information about recently discovered COVID-19 variants is rapidly emerging. Scientists are working to learn more about how easily they might spread, whether they could cause more severe illness, and whether currently authorized vaccines will protect people against them. At this time, there is no evidence that these variants cause more severe illness or increased risk of death. CDC, in collaboration with other public health agencies, is monitoring the situation closely.

Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in the U.S.

January 11, 2021

In the United States, there have been 22,322,956 confirmed cases of COVID-19 detected through U.S. public health surveillance systems in 50 states and the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam, the Northern Marianas Islands, and U.S. Virgin Islands.

CDC provides updated U.S. case information online daily.

In addition to cases, deaths, and laboratory testing, CDC’s COVID Data Tracker now has a Vaccinations tab to track distribution of COVID-19 vaccines in your state.