You're listening to shortwave from NPR.

Maddie Sifai here.

In the last two weeks or so, the number of new daily COVID cases in the U.S. has increased

by about 40%.

Compared to this time last year, we have three times the number of new cases on average.

I mean, think about that.

Last year, we did not have the vaccines.

The hospitals in the south and the sunbelt are being hit especially hard right now.

So today on the show, we've got a COVID news roundup with NPR's health correspondent,

Allison Aubrey.

We hear about a hospital system in Mississippi that's struggling to find beds for patients,

talk about kids getting vaccinated, and booster shots for people who are immunocompromised.

This is shortwave, the Daily Science Podcast from NPR.

Alright, NPR's health correspondent, Allison Aubrey, you've been looking into these rising

case numbers.

What are they telling you?

Well, you know, the virus is circulating so widely, really throughout the country.

In fact, 84% of U.S. counties have a high rate of transmission, that's according to

the CDC.

But parts of the South Maddie are really struggling, including Mississippi, where only about 42%

of eligible people are fully vaccinated.

I spoke to Dr. Luan Woodward.

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