Special Report
States Where the Virus Is Growing the Fastest Right Now
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Last Updated:
Close to 700,000 people in the United States had been diagnosed with COVID-19 as of Friday April 17, by far the most confirmed cases of any country in the world. More than 31,000 people in the U.S. with the virus have died. As the U.S. continues to test for the virus, tens of thousands of confirmed cases are being added every day to the U.S. total.
Modeling by epidemiologists suggests that if nothing is done to combat the spread of the virus, up to 80% of Americans could contract COVID-19. (Here’s a look at what countries are doing to flatten the curve).
Within the United States, the virus has spread rapidly amid testing and protective equipment shortfalls. So far, fewer than 10 in every 1,000 people nationwide have been tested for the virus. As states anticipate increased need for hospital beds, masks, ventilators, testing kits, and other equipment, governors are competing with one another to purchase supplies.
Because each state’s outbreak began at a different time, as well as due to such variables as the extent of testing, integrity of data reporting, population density, and strength of social distancing efforts, the virus has not spread uniformly across the states. These are the states with the highest number of COVID cases.
More recently, the growth in the numbers of confirmed cases has started to spike in some states while it has started to slow in others. In the past week, the number of cases has nearly quadrupled in one state, while it has slowed to 16% growth in another.
To determine the states where the virus is growing the fastest right now, 24/7 Wall St. compiled and reviewed confirmed COVID-19 cases and deaths for the seven days through April 16 from state and local health departments.
Click here to see the states where the virus is growing the fastest right now.
Click here to see our detailed findings.
50. Washington
> 7-day increase in confirmed COVID-19 cases as of Apr. 16: +16.1% (9,608 to 11,152)
> Confirmed COVID-19 rate as of Apr. 16: 148.0 per 100,000 — 16th most
> Population density: 105.7 people per square mile — 23rd highest
> Days between 1st case and beginning of statewide stay-at-home order (3/23/2020): 62 days
> COVID-19 related deaths in 7 days ending Apr. 16: 137 (Washington total: 583)
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49. Vermont
> 7-day increase in confirmed COVID-19 cases as of Apr. 16: +22.3% (628 to 768)
> Confirmed COVID-19 rate as of Apr. 16: 124.4 per 100,000 — 17th most
> Population density: 65.1 people per square mile — 21st lowest
> Days between 1st case and beginning of statewide stay-at-home order (3/24/2020): 17 days
> COVID-19 related deaths in 7 days ending Apr. 16: 12 (Vermont total: 35)
48. Idaho
> 7-day increase in confirmed COVID-19 cases as of Apr. 16: +22.3% (1,232 to 1,507)
> Confirmed COVID-19 rate as of Apr. 16: 91.7 per 100,000 — 22nd most
> Population density: 21.0 people per square mile — 7th lowest
> Days between 1st case and beginning of statewide stay-at-home order (3/25/2020): 12 days
> COVID-19 related deaths in 7 days ending Apr. 16: 23 (Idaho total: 41)
47. Hawaii
> 7-day increase in confirmed COVID-19 cases as of Apr. 16: +22.4% (442 to 541)
> Confirmed COVID-19 rate as of Apr. 16: 38.1 per 100,000 — 2nd fewest
> Population density: 129.9 people per square mile — 20th highest
> Days between 1st case and beginning of statewide stay-at-home order (3/25/2020): 19 days
> COVID-19 related deaths in 7 days ending Apr. 16: 03 (Hawaii total: 09)
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46. Louisiana
> 7-day increase in confirmed COVID-19 cases as of Apr. 16: +23.2% (18,283 to 22,532)
> Confirmed COVID-19 rate as of Apr. 16: 483.5 per 100,000 — 3rd most
> Population density: 89.0 people per square mile — 25th lowest
> Days between 1st case and beginning of statewide stay-at-home order (3/23/2020): 14 days
> COVID-19 related deaths in 7 days ending Apr. 16: 454 (Louisiana total: 1,156)
45. Wyoming
> 7-day increase in confirmed COVID-19 cases as of Apr. 16: +23.8% (239 to 296)
> Confirmed COVID-19 rate as of Apr. 16: 49.8 per 100,000 — 7th fewest
> Population density: 5.9 people per square mile — 2nd lowest
> Days between 1st case and beginning of statewide stay-at-home order: no order issued as of Apr. 17
> COVID-19 related deaths in 7 days ending Apr. 16: 02 (Wyoming total: 02)
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44. Montana
> 7-day increase in confirmed COVID-19 cases as of Apr. 16: +25.0% (332 to 415)
> Confirmed COVID-19 rate as of Apr. 16: 39.7 per 100,000 — 3rd fewest
> Population density: 7.2 people per square mile — 3rd lowest
> Days between 1st case and beginning of statewide stay-at-home order (3/28/2020): 15 days
> COVID-19 related deaths in 7 days ending Apr. 16: 01 (Montana total: 08)
43. Alaska
> 7-day increase in confirmed COVID-19 cases as of Apr. 16: +27.7% (235 to 300)
> Confirmed COVID-19 rate as of Apr. 16: 40.7 per 100,000 — 4th fewest
> Population density: 1.1 people per square mile — the lowest
> Days between 1st case and beginning of statewide stay-at-home order (3/28/2020): 16 days
> COVID-19 related deaths in 7 days ending Apr. 16: 02 (Alaska total: 09)
42. Oregon
> 7-day increase in confirmed COVID-19 cases as of Apr. 16: +31.4% (1,321 to 1,736)
> Confirmed COVID-19 rate as of Apr. 16: 41.4 per 100,000 — 5th fewest
> Population density: 42.6 people per square mile — 13th lowest
> Days between 1st case and beginning of statewide stay-at-home order (3/23/2020): 24 days
> COVID-19 related deaths in 7 days ending Apr. 16: 20 (Oregon total: 64)
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41. California
> 7-day increase in confirmed COVID-19 cases as of Apr. 16: +34.3% (20,191 to 27,108)
> Confirmed COVID-19 rate as of Apr. 16: 71.2 per 100,000 — 19th fewest
> Population density: 241.7 people per square mile — 11th highest
> Days between 1st case and beginning of statewide stay-at-home order (3/19/2020): 54 days
> COVID-19 related deaths in 7 days ending Apr. 16: 341 (California total: 973)
40. Wisconsin
> 7-day increase in confirmed COVID-19 cases as of Apr. 16: +34.3% (2,885 to 3,875)
> Confirmed COVID-19 rate as of Apr. 16: 66.7 per 100,000 — 18th fewest
> Population density: 88.8 people per square mile — 24th lowest
> Days between 1st case and beginning of statewide stay-at-home order (3/25/2020): 49 days
> COVID-19 related deaths in 7 days ending Apr. 16: 86 (Wisconsin total: 197)
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39. Tennessee
> 7-day increase in confirmed COVID-19 cases as of Apr. 16: +35.1% (4,634 to 6,262)
> Confirmed COVID-19 rate as of Apr. 16: 92.5 per 100,000 — 21st most
> Population density: 160.6 people per square mile — 17th highest
> Days between 1st case and beginning of statewide stay-at-home order (3/31/2020): 26 days
> COVID-19 related deaths in 7 days ending Apr. 16: 47 (Tennessee total: 141)
38. Nevada
> 7-day increase in confirmed COVID-19 cases as of Apr. 16: +35.2% (2,456 to 3,321)
> Confirmed COVID-19 rate as of Apr. 16: 109.4 per 100,000 — 20th most
> Population density: 27.4 people per square mile — 9th lowest
> Days between 1st case and beginning of statewide stay-at-home order (4/1/2020): 27 days
> COVID-19 related deaths in 7 days ending Apr. 16: 60 (Nevada total: 142)
37. Utah
> 7-day increase in confirmed COVID-19 cases as of Apr. 16: +35.8% (1,976 to 2,683)
> Confirmed COVID-19 rate as of Apr. 16: 84.9 per 100,000 — 25th fewest
> Population density: 37.2 people per square mile — 11th lowest
> Days between 1st case and beginning of statewide stay-at-home order: no order issued as of Apr. 17
> COVID-19 related deaths in 7 days ending Apr. 16: 08 (Utah total: 21)
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36. Michigan
> 7-day increase in confirmed COVID-19 cases as of Apr. 16: +36.1% (21,504 to 29,263)
> Confirmed COVID-19 rate as of Apr. 16: 292.7 per 100,000 — 7th most
> Population density: 103.4 people per square mile — 24th highest
> Days between 1st case and beginning of statewide stay-at-home order (3/24/2020): 14 days
> COVID-19 related deaths in 7 days ending Apr. 16: 1,017 (Michigan total: 2,093)
35. Florida
> 7-day increase in confirmed COVID-19 cases as of Apr. 16: +38.7% (16,826 to 23,340)
> Confirmed COVID-19 rate as of Apr. 16: 113.2 per 100,000 — 19th most
> Population density: 323.9 people per square mile — 8th highest
> Days between 1st case and beginning of statewide stay-at-home order (4/3/2020): 33 days
> COVID-19 related deaths in 7 days ending Apr. 16: 310 (Florida total: 699)
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34. New York
> 7-day increase in confirmed COVID-19 cases as of Apr. 16: +39.0% (159,937 to 222,284)
> Confirmed COVID-19 rate as of Apr. 16: 1,137.5 per 100,000 — the most
> Population density: 358.2 people per square mile — 7th highest
> Days between 1st case and beginning of statewide stay-at-home order (3/22/2020): 21 days
> COVID-19 related deaths in 7 days ending Apr. 16: 5,125 (New York total: 12,192)
33. Oklahoma
> 7-day increase in confirmed COVID-19 cases as of Apr. 16: +39.8% (1,686 to 2,357)
> Confirmed COVID-19 rate as of Apr. 16: 59.8 per 100,000 — 16th fewest
> Population density: 56.4 people per square mile — 16th lowest
> Days between 1st case and beginning of statewide stay-at-home order: no order issued as of Apr. 17
> COVID-19 related deaths in 7 days ending Apr. 16: 51 (Oklahoma total: 131)
32. Colorado
> 7-day increase in confirmed COVID-19 cases as of Apr. 16: +39.9% (6,202 to 8,675)
> Confirmed COVID-19 rate as of Apr. 16: 152.3 per 100,000 — 13th most
> Population density: 54.7 people per square mile — 14th lowest
> Days between 1st case and beginning of statewide stay-at-home order (3/26/2020): 21 days
> COVID-19 related deaths in 7 days ending Apr. 16: 148 (Colorado total: 374)
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31. Arizona
> 7-day increase in confirmed COVID-19 cases as of Apr. 16: +40.3% (3,018 to 4,234)
> Confirmed COVID-19 rate as of Apr. 16: 59.0 per 100,000 — 15th fewest
> Population density: 62.9 people per square mile — 19th lowest
> Days between 1st case and beginning of statewide stay-at-home order (3/31/2020): 65 days
> COVID-19 related deaths in 7 days ending Apr. 16: 61 (Arizona total: 150)
30. South Carolina
> 7-day increase in confirmed COVID-19 cases as of Apr. 16: +40.8% (2,792 to 3,931)
> Confirmed COVID-19 rate as of Apr. 16: 77.3 per 100,000 — 23rd fewest
> Population density: 158.8 people per square mile — 18th highest
> Days between 1st case and beginning of statewide stay-at-home order (4/6/2020): 31 days
> COVID-19 related deaths in 7 days ending Apr. 16: 42 (South Carolina total: 109)
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29. West Virginia
> 7-day increase in confirmed COVID-19 cases as of Apr. 16: +41.3% (523 to 739)
> Confirmed COVID-19 rate as of Apr. 16: 41.8 per 100,000 — 6th fewest
> Population density: 74.5 people per square mile — 22nd lowest
> Days between 1st case and beginning of statewide stay-at-home order (3/24/2020): 7 days
> COVID-19 related deaths in 7 days ending Apr. 16: 08 (West Virginia total: 13)
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28. Arkansas
> 7-day increase in confirmed COVID-19 cases as of Apr. 16: +41.4% (1,146 to 1,620)
> Confirmed COVID-19 rate as of Apr. 16: 53.8 per 100,000 — 8th fewest
> Population density: 56.7 people per square mile — 17th lowest
> Days between 1st case and beginning of statewide stay-at-home order: no order issued as of Apr. 17
> COVID-19 related deaths in 7 days ending Apr. 16: 16 (Arkansas total: 37)
27. Maine
> 7-day increase in confirmed COVID-19 cases as of Apr. 16: +42.1% (560 to 796)
> Confirmed COVID-19 rate as of Apr. 16: 61.8 per 100,000 — 17th fewest
> Population density: 37.8 people per square mile — 12th lowest
> Days between 1st case and beginning of statewide stay-at-home order (4/2/2020): 21 days
> COVID-19 related deaths in 7 days ending Apr. 16: 11 (Maine total: 29)
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26. Kansas
> 7-day increase in confirmed COVID-19 cases as of Apr. 16: +43.6% (1,106 to 1,588)
> Confirmed COVID-19 rate as of Apr. 16: 54.5 per 100,000 — 10th fewest
> Population density: 35.4 people per square mile — 10th lowest
> Days between 1st case and beginning of statewide stay-at-home order (3/30/2020): 23 days
> COVID-19 related deaths in 7 days ending Apr. 16: 38 (Kansas total: 80)
25. Missouri
> 7-day increase in confirmed COVID-19 cases as of Apr. 16: +44.4% (3,539 to 5,111)
> Confirmed COVID-19 rate as of Apr. 16: 83.4 per 100,000 — 24th fewest
> Population density: 87.9 people per square mile — 23rd lowest
> Days between 1st case and beginning of statewide stay-at-home order (4/6/2020): 30 days
> COVID-19 related deaths in 7 days ending Apr. 16: 58 (Missouri total: 152)
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24. North Dakota
> 7-day increase in confirmed COVID-19 cases as of Apr. 16: +46.1% (269 to 393)
> Confirmed COVID-19 rate as of Apr. 16: 57.8 per 100,000 — 14th fewest
> Population density: 10.8 people per square mile — 4th lowest
> Days between 1st case and beginning of statewide stay-at-home order: no order issued as of Apr. 17
> COVID-19 related deaths in 7 days ending Apr. 16: 04 (North Dakota total: 09)
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23. New Jersey
> 7-day increase in confirmed COVID-19 cases as of Apr. 16: +47.6% (51,027 to 75,317)
> Confirmed COVID-19 rate as of Apr. 16: 845.4 per 100,000 — 2nd most
> Population density: 1021.3 people per square mile — the highest
> Days between 1st case and beginning of statewide stay-at-home order (3/21/2020): 17 days
> COVID-19 related deaths in 7 days ending Apr. 16: 1,818 (New Jersey total: 3,518)
22. New Hampshire
> 7-day increase in confirmed COVID-19 cases as of Apr. 16: +47.9% (819 to 1,211)
> Confirmed COVID-19 rate as of Apr. 16: 89.3 per 100,000 — 24th most
> Population density: 145.1 people per square mile — 19th highest
> Days between 1st case and beginning of statewide stay-at-home order (3/27/2020): 25 days
> COVID-19 related deaths in 7 days ending Apr. 16: 13 (New Hampshire total: 34)
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21. North Carolina
> 7-day increase in confirmed COVID-19 cases as of Apr. 16: +49.7% (3,651 to 5,465)
> Confirmed COVID-19 rate as of Apr. 16: 56.4 per 100,000 — 12th fewest
> Population density: 192.9 people per square mile — 14th highest
> Days between 1st case and beginning of statewide stay-at-home order (3/30/2020): 27 days
> COVID-19 related deaths in 7 days ending Apr. 16: 66 (North Carolina total: 152)
20. Indiana
> 7-day increase in confirmed COVID-19 cases as of Apr. 16: +50.2% (6,351 to 9,542)
> Confirmed COVID-19 rate as of Apr. 16: 151.7 per 100,000 — 14th most
> Population density: 183.7 people per square mile — 15th highest
> Days between 1st case and beginning of statewide stay-at-home order (3/24/2020): 18 days
> COVID-19 related deaths in 7 days ending Apr. 16: 232 (Indiana total: 519)
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19. Georgia
> 7-day increase in confirmed COVID-19 cases as of Apr. 16: +50.4% (10,885 to 16,368)
> Confirmed COVID-19 rate as of Apr. 16: 163.4 per 100,000 — 12th most
> Population density: 177.0 people per square mile — 16th highest
> Days between 1st case and beginning of statewide stay-at-home order (4/3/2020): 32 days
> COVID-19 related deaths in 7 days ending Apr. 16: 205 (Georgia total: 650)
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18. Pennsylvania
> 7-day increase in confirmed COVID-19 cases as of Apr. 16: +52.2% (18,228 to 27,735)
> Confirmed COVID-19 rate as of Apr. 16: 229.9 per 100,000 — 8th most
> Population density: 278.1 people per square mile — 9th highest
> Days between 1st case and beginning of statewide stay-at-home order (4/1/2020): 26 days
> COVID-19 related deaths in 7 days ending Apr. 16: 369 (Pennsylvania total: 756)
17. Ohio
> 7-day increase in confirmed COVID-19 cases as of Apr. 16: +52.6% (5,512 to 8,414)
> Confirmed COVID-19 rate as of Apr. 16: 72.0 per 100,000 — 20th fewest
> Population density: 260.8 people per square mile — 10th highest
> Days between 1st case and beginning of statewide stay-at-home order (3/23/2020): 14 days
> COVID-19 related deaths in 7 days ending Apr. 16: 176 (Ohio total: 389)
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16. Minnesota
> 7-day increase in confirmed COVID-19 cases as of Apr. 16: +53.9% (1,242 to 1,912)
> Confirmed COVID-19 rate as of Apr. 16: 36.9 per 100,000 — the fewest
> Population density: 64.5 people per square mile — 20th lowest
> Days between 1st case and beginning of statewide stay-at-home order (3/27/2020): 21 days
> COVID-19 related deaths in 7 days ending Apr. 16: 44 (Minnesota total: 111)
15. Alabama
> 7-day increase in confirmed COVID-19 cases as of Apr. 16: +55.2% (2,838 to 4,404)
> Confirmed COVID-19 rate as of Apr. 16: 90.1 per 100,000 — 23rd most
> Population density: 93.2 people per square mile — 25th highest
> Days between 1st case and beginning of statewide stay-at-home order (4/4/2020): 22 days
> COVID-19 related deaths in 7 days ending Apr. 16: 59 (Alabama total: 137)
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14. Illinois
> 7-day increase in confirmed COVID-19 cases as of Apr. 16: +56.7% (16,422 to 25,733)
> Confirmed COVID-19 rate as of Apr. 16: 216.4 per 100,000 — 9th most
> Population density: 220.0 people per square mile — 12th highest
> Days between 1st case and beginning of statewide stay-at-home order (3/21/2020): 57 days
> COVID-19 related deaths in 7 days ending Apr. 16: 544 (Illinois total: 1,134)
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13. Mississippi
> 7-day increase in confirmed COVID-19 cases as of Apr. 16: +60.4% (2,260 to 3,624)
> Confirmed COVID-19 rate as of Apr. 16: 121.3 per 100,000 — 18th most
> Population density: 61.7 people per square mile — 18th lowest
> Days between 1st case and beginning of statewide stay-at-home order (4/3/2020): 23 days
> COVID-19 related deaths in 7 days ending Apr. 16: 53 (Mississippi total: 129)
12. Texas
> 7-day increase in confirmed COVID-19 cases as of Apr. 16: +60.9% (10,230 to 16,455)
> Confirmed COVID-19 rate as of Apr. 16: 57.3 per 100,000 — 13th fewest
> Population density: 106.9 people per square mile — 22nd highest
> Days between 1st case and beginning of statewide stay-at-home order (4/2/2020): 50 days
> COVID-19 related deaths in 7 days ending Apr. 16: 194 (Texas total: 393)
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11. New Mexico
> 7-day increase in confirmed COVID-19 cases as of Apr. 16: +61.5% (989 to 1,597)
> Confirmed COVID-19 rate as of Apr. 16: 76.2 per 100,000 — 22nd fewest
> Population density: 17.2 people per square mile — 6th lowest
> Days between 1st case and beginning of statewide stay-at-home order (3/24/2020): 13 days
> COVID-19 related deaths in 7 days ending Apr. 16: 27 (New Mexico total: 44)
10. Connecticut
> 7-day increase in confirmed COVID-19 cases as of Apr. 16: +62.3% (9,784 to 15,884)
> Confirmed COVID-19 rate as of Apr. 16: 444.6 per 100,000 — 5th most
> Population density: 644.5 people per square mile — 4th highest
> Days between 1st case and beginning of statewide stay-at-home order (3/23/2020): 15 days
> COVID-19 related deaths in 7 days ending Apr. 16: 591 (Connecticut total: 971)
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9. Iowa
> 7-day increase in confirmed COVID-19 cases as of Apr. 16: +68.6% (1,270 to 2,141)
> Confirmed COVID-19 rate as of Apr. 16: 73.9 per 100,000 — 21st fewest
> Population density: 56.1 people per square mile — 15th lowest
> Days between 1st case and beginning of statewide stay-at-home order: no order issued as of Apr. 17
> COVID-19 related deaths in 7 days ending Apr. 16: 33 (Iowa total: 64)
8. Massachusetts
> 7-day increase in confirmed COVID-19 cases as of Apr. 16: +69.9% (18,941 to 32,181)
> Confirmed COVID-19 rate as of Apr. 16: 466.2 per 100,000 — 4th most
> Population density: 654.0 people per square mile — 3rd highest
> Days between 1st case and beginning of statewide stay-at-home order (3/24/2020): 52 days
> COVID-19 related deaths in 7 days ending Apr. 16: 742 (Massachusetts total: 1,245)
7. Virginia
> 7-day increase in confirmed COVID-19 cases as of Apr. 16: +70.4% (4,042 to 6,889)
> Confirmed COVID-19 rate as of Apr. 16: 87.9 per 100,000 — 25th most
> Population density: 199.1 people per square mile — 13th highest
> Days between 1st case and beginning of statewide stay-at-home order (3/30/2020): 23 days
> COVID-19 related deaths in 7 days ending Apr. 16: 99 (Virginia total: 231)
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6. Delaware
> 7-day increase in confirmed COVID-19 cases as of Apr. 16: +71.6% (1,209 to 2,075)
> Confirmed COVID-19 rate as of Apr. 16: 214.5 per 100,000 — 10th most
> Population density: 388.6 people per square mile — 6th highest
> Days between 1st case and beginning of statewide stay-at-home order (3/24/2020): 13 days
> COVID-19 related deaths in 7 days ending Apr. 16: 29 (Delaware total: 52)
5. Maryland
> 7-day increase in confirmed COVID-19 cases as of Apr. 16: +74.4% (6,185 to 10,784)
> Confirmed COVID-19 rate as of Apr. 16: 191.5 per 100,000 — 11th most
> Population density: 487.1 people per square mile — 5th highest
> Days between 1st case and beginning of statewide stay-at-home order (3/30/2020): 25 days
> COVID-19 related deaths in 7 days ending Apr. 16: 254 (Maryland total: 425)
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4. Nebraska
> 7-day increase in confirmed COVID-19 cases as of Apr. 16: +87.0% (570 to 1,066)
> Confirmed COVID-19 rate as of Apr. 16: 55.3 per 100,000 — 11th fewest
> Population density: 24.9 people per square mile — 8th lowest
> Days between 1st case and beginning of statewide stay-at-home order: 8 days
> COVID-19 related deaths in 7 days ending Apr. 16: 09 (Nebraska total: 24)
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3. Kentucky
> 7-day increase in confirmed COVID-19 cases as of Apr. 16: +89.6% (1,281 to 2,429)
> Confirmed COVID-19 rate as of Apr. 16: 54.4 per 100,000 — 9th fewest
> Population density: 110.6 people per square mile — 21st highest
> Days between 1st case and beginning of statewide stay-at-home order (3/26/2020): 20 days
> COVID-19 related deaths in 7 days ending Apr. 16: 51 (Kentucky total: 129)
2. Rhode Island
> 7-day increase in confirmed COVID-19 cases as of Apr. 16: +122.2% (1,727 to 3,838)
> Confirmed COVID-19 rate as of Apr. 16: 395.1 per 100,000 — 6th most
> Population density: 684.3 people per square mile — 2nd highest
> Days between 1st case and beginning of statewide stay-at-home order (3/28/2020): 27 days
> COVID-19 related deaths in 7 days ending Apr. 16: 62 (Rhode Island total: 118)
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1. South Dakota
> 7-day increase in confirmed COVID-19 cases as of Apr. 16: +193.3% (447 to 1,311)
> Confirmed COVID-19 rate as of Apr. 16: 148.6 per 100,000 — 15th most
> Population density: 11.4 people per square mile — 5th lowest
> Days between 1st case and beginning of statewide stay-at-home order: 8 days
> COVID-19 related deaths in 7 days ending Apr. 16: 1 (South Dakota total: 7)
Detailed findings.
The states testing larger shares of their populations are reporting higher confirmed cases per resident. Eight of the 10 states with the most COVID-19 cases per capita have been testing at higher rates than the U.S. average of 8.6 tests per 1,000 people. North Dakota, Alaska, and Hawaii are notable exceptions as states with both low COVID-19 cases per capita and relatively high testing rates of 13.7, 11.0, and 13.3 per 1,000 residents.
Population density appears to be a major factor in the spread of the virus. Eight of the nation’s most crowded states, including New Jersey with the nation-leading density of 1,021 people per square mile, are among the 10 states with the most confirmed COVID-19 cases per capita. The states with the lowest cases per capita tend to be more sparsely populated.
Social distancing is considered the best available means to slow the spread of the disease. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends people maintain a distance of at least 6 feet from people with whom they do not share a household, not gather in groups, and stay out of crowded places.
In the study, “Social Distancing to Slow the U.S. COVID-19 Epidemic: an Interrupted Time-Series Analysis,” a preprint of non-peer reviewed study published by Harvard infectious disease experts on April 8, statewide social distancing measures were associated with a decrease in U.S. COVID-19 epidemic growth.
“Based on the size of the epidemic at the time of implementation in each state, social distancing measures were associated with a decrease of 3,090 cases at 7 days, and 68,255 cases at 14 days, after implementation.”
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