New COVID-19 Cases Haven't Been This Low in the U.S. Since Last June

National Public Radio reports that new coronavirus cases across the United States have fallen to rates not seen in more than 11 months. As the seven-day average for new cases dropped below 30,000 per day last week, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Director Rochelle Walensky noted that cases have not been this low since June 18, 2020. The average number of deaths over the last week also declined to 552, a rate not seen since July 2020. Many states have largely lifted mask and social distancing mandates. Although this has spurred optimism that vaccination campaigns are working, health experts caution that not enough Americans have been vaccinated to completely curb the virus, leaving the potential for new mutations that could extend the pandemic. "My biggest concern is new strains of the virus and the need to remain vigilant in the months ahead," said Boston College public health expert Dr. Philip J. Landrigan. He calculates that it will take a nationwide vaccination rate of at least 85 percent to end the pandemic.