After seeing a dip in the number of daily COVID-19 cases, the US is witnessing a rise. Largely driven by the fast-spreading Delta variant, low vaccination rate in some states and Fourth of July gatherings, the number of daily cases has doubled over the past three weeks, the Associated Press reported.

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On Monday, the country recorded about 23,600 new COVID-19 cases, up from 11,300 on June 23, as per Johns Hopkins University data.

What are the reasons behind the rise?

*     Delta variant

First identified in India, the highly contagious Delta variant now make up about 50% of COVID-19 cases in the country. As per the  Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) data, the variant made up 51.7% of cases during the two weeks ending July 3. 

*     Fourth of July gatherings

According to Dr Bill Powderly, co-director of the infectious-disease division at Washington University’s School of Medicine in St. Louis, it is “no coincidence” that the cases are rising after the July Fourth weekend, AP reported.

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There were large-scale celebrations on July 4 that marks the US independence day.

*     Vaccination

Nationally, 55.6% of all Americans have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. However, states that have recorded the highest two-week jump in the number of virus cases are those with lower vaccination rates. The states are Missouri, Arkansas, Nevada, Louisiana and Utah.

What steps have been taken to rein in the virus surge?

The health authorities of Los Angeles County and St Louis have asked even the fully-vaccinated to wear masks in public.

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Chicago has asked people from Missouri and Arkansas to either quarantine for 10 days or show a negative COVID-19 test.

Mississippi has asked people 65 years of age and above to avoid large indoor gatherings.

The city of New Orleans in Louisiana is likely to extend the COVID restrictions currently in place at large sporting and entertainment gatherings. These include mask mandate, a negative COVID certificate, or full vaccination against the disease.

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At the national level, President Joe Biden is set to add a star value to boost the vaccination drive. Singer-songwriter Olivia Rodrigo will meet him and health expert Dr Anthony Fauci on Wednesday.

The United States, the worst hit by the pandemic, has recorded more than 33.9 million COVID cases and over 607,000 deaths.