COVID levels on the rise in 47 states, schools in 2 states close to slow the spread

NewsThe South and the West are seeing the greatest increases but no state is seeing an increase in hospital visits related to the virus.Getty ImagesWhile overall levels of COVID-19 remain low, the number of cases is growing in 47 states, according to the latest data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.No states showed a decline in recent cases and only three – Georgia, Iowa and Wisconsin – reported either no data or numbers staying the same. The South and the West are seeing the greatest increases but no state is seeing an increase in hospital visits related to the virus.“As of August 21, 2026, the amount of acute respiratory illness causing people to seek health care is very low,” CDC said, adding, however, “national and regional COVID-19 activity is increasing.”You can go here to see levels in your state.The uptick in cases prompted school closures in two states in recent weeks. San Perlita Independent School District in Texas closed campuses Aug. 25-26 due to the “rapid spread of COVID-19.” Park Ridge Achievement Academy in Louisiana shut down for a day in response to an outbreak of COVID-19.“We are currently experiencing a short cycle of illness moving through the school community. This one-day cancellation will provide an opportunity for students and staff to remain home, help reduce further spread, and allow for additional cleaning and disinfecting of the campus,” the school said in an announcement. Park Ridge’s classes resumed Aug. 24.COVID symptomsPeople with COVID-19 have a wide range of symptoms ranging from mild to severe. The symptoms typically appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus.Symptoms include:· Fever or chills· Cough· Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing· Sore throat· Congestion or runny nose· New loss of taste or smell· Fatigue· Muscle or body aches· Headache· Nausea or vomiting· DiarrheaLeada Gore is a Senior Managing Producer for the Advance Local trending team, covering finance, government and consumer issues. She worked as a Managing Producer for AL.com, starting at the site in 2013 as the...