People's CDC, COVID-19, Weather Report, March 9, 2026
COVID is at moderate levels & tell the CDC to Support COVID Vaccinations
The Weather
Wastewater levels for COVID have improved to “low” nationally. The CDC-based wastewater map was updated on March 5th, and it shows “high” levels in 7 states, “moderate” levels in 17 states, “low” levels in 15 states, and “very low” levels in 12 states and territories. Three states report limited coverage, meaning only some of the state’s wastewater centers are reporting, so the data are based on less than 5% of the population, and they may not be accurate for the entire state. North Dakota and the Virgin Islands still have no data. Regional data indicate that all regions are seeing SARS-CoV-2 detection in wastewater decreasing; the regions of the Midwest and Northeast have decreased to moderate levels, while the South and West are at low or very low levels.
Note: We will roll out a new map soon and look forward to your feedback!
As COVID levels continue to decrease, precautions remain important, including wearing N95/KN95/KF94 masks in public spaces, staying up to date with vaccinations, and using air cleaners (air “purifiers”) or opening windows whenever possible, especially as temperatures rise across the country.
Measles
Measles continues to spread in the US, and since the start of 2026, the total cases have increased from 982 to 1,281. This surpasses 50% of all known cases in 2025.
Source: International Vaccine Access Center
Precautions in Healthcare
Healthcare settings must continue to employ multiple layers of precautions to protect healthcare workers and patients. A recent cohort study in JAMA Network Open showed that precautions were effective in preventing viral spread among neonatal patients in healthcare settings during the early years of the pandemic.
ACIP Update
The CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) has delayed its meeting to March 18th and 19th. Two new members have also been appointed to ACIP. Their upcoming meeting agenda includes two topics: COVID vaccine injuries and Long COVID, both of which are serious matters, but we are concerned about their potential plan to spread incorrect information about these topics. We continue to strongly advocate for access to COVID vaccines. Submit a comment in support of COVID vaccines and resources to treat Long COVID by March 12th, 2026. You can also speak at the upcoming meeting by submitting your information to the CDC by March 12th, 2026. In the next few days, we will share a set of instructions for submitting a comment or adding your name to the pool of speakers.
Actions
Oppose Casey Means for Surgeon General, who remains uniquely unqualified for the job. Means recently completed her nomination hearing and continues to demonstrate her lack of necessary skills for this role. Previously, she questioned and doubted the importance of the childhood vaccine schedule. She also has a major financial conflict of interest through her company, which sells so-called “natural” products with the intent of opposing conventional medicine and profiting personally. Although she plans to resign from her company if confirmed as the next Surgeon General, her conspiratorial and unscientific beliefs around autism, raw milk, and birth control could cause grave harm to the public, especially as her platform and reach would expand exponentially if nominated.
Remove RFK Jr. petition: A recent report from Protect Our Care named RFK Jr. “Public Health Enemy No 1.” We continue to call for the removal of RFK Jr., and Stand Up For Science has created its own petition to remove RFK Jr. as Secretary of Health and Human Services. We encourage you to read it and sign on.
Notes: 1) The numbers in this report were current as of 3/8/2026. 2) Check out the links throughout & see our website for more at https://peoplescdc.org. 3) Subscribe to our newsletter: People’s CDC | Substack.
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