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Total confirmed coronavirus cases in the U.S. have surpassed 11.7 million, according to data compiled by Johns Hopkins University (JHU).
Here we look at 10 states that reported the most new cases per 100,000 people in the past seven days, according to the latest report Thursday from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Six of these states each reported their highest-ever average case count this week, while four states reached the record level last week.
Average case counts listed below reflect a seven-day average of cases reported from November 5 to 18, according to the latest report Thursday by JHU. All population data below is sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau.
1. North Dakota
New cases per 100,000 in past week: 177.4
- Total cases: 68,612.
- Total population: 762,062.
The seven-day average of cases in North Dakota statistically declined in the recent two-week period from November 5 to 18. The figure hit a record high last week, reaching 1,408 on November 15, and has been rising sharply from mid-August, according to data compiled by JHU.
2. South Dakota
New cases per 100,000 in past week: 161.5
- Total cases: 69,742.
- Total population: 884,659.
The average case count in South Dakota statistically decreased in the recent 14-day period. However, the figure has been rising sharply from late August, peaking on November 11 at 1,458, the highest average count since the outbreak began, according to JHU.
3. Wyoming
New cases per 100,000 in past week: 145.9
The average case tally in Wyoming was reported to be on an upward trend in the recent two-week period. The figure has been rising sharply since early September, peaking on November 18 at 848, the highest level since the outbreak began, according to JHU.
4. Iowa
New cases per 100,000 in past week: 129.9
- Total cases: 201,572.
- Total population: 3,155,070.
Iowa reported a statistical decrease in its average case count in the recent 14-day window. However, the figure has been climbing since early August, rising sharply from late October and reaching a record high of 4,757 on November 11, according to JHU.
5. Nebraska
New cases per 100,000 in past week: 123.5
- Total cases: 109,280.
- Total population: 1,934,408.
The average case tally in Nebraska increased in the recent two-week period. The figure has been rising sharply from early September, peaking on November 18 at 2,446, the highest average count since the outbreak began, according to JHU.
6. Wisconsin
New cases per 100,000 in past week: 121.2
- Total cases: 358,113.
- Total population: 5,822,434.
The average number of infections in Wisconsin was reported to be on an upward trend in the recent two-week window. The figure has been rising sharply from early September, hitting a peak of 7,045 on November 15, the highest level since the outbreak began, according to JHU.
7. Minnesota
New cases per 100,000 in past week: 120.9
- Total cases: 249,906.
- Total population: 5,639,632.
The average case count in Minnesota was on an upward in the recent 14-day period. The figure reached a record high of 6,941 on November 17, after rising sharply since early September, according to JHU.
8. Montana
New cases per 100,000 in past week: 114.5
- Total cases: 51,818.
- Total population: 1,068,778.
The average number of cases in Montana has also been on an upward trend in the recent two-week period. The figure has been rising sharply since early September, reaching 1,268 on November 17, the highest average count since the outbreak began, according to JHU.
9. Utah
New cases per 100,000 in past week: 100.8
- Total cases: 165,996.
- Total population: 3,205,958.
Utah reported its highest-ever average case tally this week, reaching 3,248 on November 17. The figure was on an upward trend in the recent 14-day period and has been rising sharply since early September, after flattening out for months, according to JHU.
10. Kansas
New cases per 100,000 in past week: 95
- Total cases: 131,181.
- Total population: 2,913,314.
The average case count in Kansas also reached a record high this week, hitting 3,298 on November 18. The figure was on an upward trend in the recent 14-day window and has been rising sharply since late October, after flattening out for months, according to JHU.
The wider picture
The novel coronavirus has infected more than 56.9 million people since it was first reported in Wuhan, China.
More than 1.3 million people have died worldwide and more than 36.5 million have recovered as of Friday, according to Johns Hopkins.
The graphic below, produced by Statista, shows the spread of COVID-19 cases across the U.S.
About the writer
Soo Kim is a Newsweek reporter based in London, U.K. She covers various lifestyle stories, specializing in Read more