The U.S. is recording more than 1,000 average COVID-19 deaths for the first time in five months as the fourth wave of the pandemic continues to sweep across the country.
On Monday, officials reported 908 virus-related fatalities with a seven-day rolling average of 1,011 - the third consecutive day that the average has topped four figures, which has not been seen since late March.
It also marks a 307 percent increase from the 248 average deaths reported four weeks ago, according to a DailyMail.com analysis of Johns Hopkins data.
Experts say that deaths are lagging indicator, meaning they tend to rise weeks after COVID-19 infections and hospitalizations do.
Coronavirus cases also continue to rise with 229,831 new cases reported on Monday and a seven-day rolling average of 150,098, which is a 161 percent increase from the 57,446 average seen 28 days prior.
The average is also the highest number reported since January 30, when the average sat at 150,960, according to the DailyMail.com analysis.
Meanwhile, hospitals are at their breaking points with doctors saying they are completely overwhelmed with patients and are struggling to find available beds.
Kentucky and Tennessee officials reveal they are seeing record numbers of COVID-19 hospitalizations and Alabama says infected people are filling half of all intensive are unit (ICU) beds in the state.
On Monday, the U.S. recorded 908 new COVID-19 deaths with a seven-day rolling average of 1,011, which marks the third consecutive day the average has topped 1,000 - the first time since March
COVID-19 cases also increased with 229,831 new infections reported on Monday and a seven-day rolling average of 150,098, a 161% rise from four weeks prior
In Tennessee, average cases have risen over the last month from an average of 1,425 per day to an average of 6,870 per day - a jump of 382 percent, according to data from Johns Hopkins.
Hospitalizations have also surged over the same time period to a record-high of 2,802 patients, a 340 percent increase from 636 patients.
According to data from the Tennessee Department of Health, only 12 percent of hospital beds are available and just seven percent of ICU beds are available.
Last week, officials with the Tennessee Hospital Association released a statement saying the lack of beds may prevent residents from getting the care they need.
'If you or a loved one need treatment for any type of serious healthcare problem like a severe injury, heart attack, or stroke, you may not be able to access the care you need, when you need it,' the statement read.
At least 88 percent of COVID-19 hospitalizations and 94 percent of COVID-19 deaths are among unvaccinated Tennesseans, according to the THA.
'The number one tool we have to protect ourselves and our community from COVID is vaccination,' the statement read.
'COVID-19 vaccines have been administered in Tennessee since late last year and have been proven safe and effective.'
In Tennessee, average COVID-19 cases have risen from 1,425 per day to 6,870 per day - a jump of 382% in one month (left).
