The CDC launched a COVID Data Tracker in 2020 to provide state and local public health officials and communities with the COVID-19 data they need in one consolidated location. Over the past three years, COVID Data Tracker has grown to incorporate county, state, national, and global data streams into more than 70 webpages of key pandemic-related information.
To prepare for the end of the COVID-19 public health emergency declaration on May 11, 2023, CDC is transitioning to “sustainable national COVID-19 surveillance”. The CDC says they will continue to use all available resources to track COVID-19 and monitor its long-term effect on the United States and globally. Variant data is a good example of sustainable surveillance. The virus that causes COVID-19 is constantly changing, with new lineages emerging and then spreading or disappearing. XBB.1.5 became the dominant lineage over the past few months, but it is now starting to wane as other lineages rise. Newer lineages like XBB.1.9.2 and XBB.1.16, both close relatives of XBB.1.5, are starting to rise and could displace XBB.1.5.
According to the CDC, at this time, the best ways to protect yourself and others from COVID-19 remain the same, regardless of which lineage causes infection. CDC said it will keep a close watch on these changes and continue to communicate about their potential impact.
Most data activities on COVID Data Tracker won’t be affected by the end of the public health emergency. In the next and final Weekly Review on May 12, there will be a more comprehensive summary of the updates to COVID Data Tracker and where you’ll be able to find the COVID-19 data you need.
