In several states across the US, warning signs are emerging that indicate a potential increase in COVID-19 infections. Wastewater testing, a method used to detect the spread of the virus in a community, has revealed significant upticks of COVID-19 in various areas. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), testing sites in Montana and Florida are reporting "very high" levels of the virus.

Moreover, several states, including Alaska, California, Connecticut, Georgia, Maryland, and New Mexico, are experiencing "high" levels of COVID-19 in their wastewater. This data suggests that the virus may be spreading extensively within these communities.

In addition to the wastewater data, emergency room visits related to COVID-19 have also shown a marked increase, rising by 12.6% in just one week. The CDC highlights that the most significant jumps in ER visits were observed in Delaware, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Nebraska, New Jersey, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, and West Virginia.

Despite these concerning developments, it is important to note that hospitalizations for COVID-19 remain relatively low nationwide. Last week, only 0.6% of all emergency department visits resulted in a COVID-19 diagnosis. This indicates that the severity of the cases may not be as high as in earlier stages of the pandemic.

While the CDC reports a 1% increase in positive COVID-19 tests, it is essential to consider the potential lack of reporting due to the proliferation of at-home testing. Positive cases from these tests may often go unreported, thereby not fully reflecting the true number of infections.

The rise in COVID-19 cases may be attributed to the emergence of new dominant subvariants, such as FLiRT and KP.3. It is worth noting that COVID-19 vaccines continue to be highly effective against these strains. However, with the passage of time since booster shots were administered, individuals may have become more susceptible to infection.

The summer season brings with it increased travel and socializing, which can further expose individuals to the virus. Ilan Rubin, a research fellow at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, warned about the potential consequences, stating, "If everybody's getting vaccinated in November and December and then everyone is getting sick in December and January, the population is all becoming susceptible around the same time in the summer."

As COVID-19 infections show signs of an uptick in various states, it is crucial for individuals to remain vigilant, adhere to safety measures, and consider getting vaccinated or seeking booster shots. Protecting oneself and others remains the key to mitigating the spread of the virus during this critical period.