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February 1, 2021 This message includes updates on the COVID-19 response from CDC. The COVID-19 Outbreak is a rapidly evolving situation and information will be updated as it becomes available.

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New Variants of the Virus that Causes COVID-19

Multiple variants of the virus that causes COVID-19 are circulating globally. So far, studies suggest that antibodies generated through vaccination with currently authorized vaccines recognize these variants. This is being closely investigated and more studies are underway. Rigorous and increased compliance with public health mitigation strategies, such as vaccination, physical distancing, use of masks, hand hygiene, and isolation and quarantine, is essential to limit the spread of the virus that causes COVID-19 and protect public health.

New Variants

Man wearing mask on phone waiting for train

Requirement for Face Masks on Public Transportation

Traveling on public transportation increases a person’s risk of getting and spreading COVID-19. CDC has issued an order that requires face masks to be worn by all travelers while on public transportation (including all passengers and all personnel operating conveyances). Masks completely covering the mouth and nose must be worn while awaiting, boarding, disembarking, or traveling on airplanes, ships, ferries, trains, subways, buses, taxis, and ride-shares as they are traveling into, within, or out of the United States and U.S. territories. People must also wear masks while at transportation hubs (e.g., airports, bus or ferry terminals, train and subway stations, seaports) and other locations where people board public transportation in the United States and U.S. territories.

Requirement for Face Masks

	COVID Data Tracker CDC’s home for COVID-19 data, the COVID Data Tracker, has a new homepage with updated tools and features. These improvements make it easier to find needed data to help protect yourself, your family, and your community. Data are updated daily, and new features are added every week.

COVID Data Tracker

Man enjoying a football watch party with a friend on his phone

Safer Ways to Enjoy the Super Bowl

Gathering virtually or with the people you live with is the safest way to celebrate the Super Bowl this year. If you do have a small gathering with people who don’t live with you, outdoors is safer than indoors. This year, choose a safer way to enjoy the game.

Host a virtual Super Bowl watch party.
Make appetizers or snacks with the people you live with to enjoy while watching the game.
Start a text group with other fans to chat about the game while watching.
Attend an outdoor viewing party where viewers can sit 6 feet apart.

	If you choose to attend the Super Bowl or a large Super Bowl event, like a watch party, follow these steps to make yourself safer: Call the venue to ensure that they have steps in place to prevent the spread of the virus. Follow signage at the venue to allow for social distancing. Arrive to the venue early to avoid crowding and congested areas.

Safer Super Bowl

New Toolkit for Pregnant People and New Parents

CDC’s latest COVID-19 resource offers information on pregnancy, breastfeeding, and caring for infants during COVID-19. The Toolkit offers steps to protect yourself and stay healthy, such as

Limit interactions with people who might have COVID-19, including people in your household.
When you do interact with people outside your household, wear a mask and stay at least 6 feet apart.
Wash your hands often.

If you are pregnant, attend all prenatal care appointments, get recommended vaccines, and make sure you have at least a 30-day supply of any medicines you take. Call your healthcare provider if you have questions related to your pregnancy and seek care immediately if you have a medical emergency.

Resources for New Parents

Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in the U.S.

February 1, 2021

In the United States, there have been 26,034,475 confirmed cases of COVID-19 detected through U.S. public health surveillance systems in 50 states and the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam, the Northern Marianas Islands, and U.S. Virgin Islands.

CDC provides updated U.S. case information online daily.

In addition to cases, deaths, and laboratory testing, CDC’s COVID Data Tracker now has a Vaccinations tab to track distribution of COVID-19 vaccines in your state.