COVID-19 updates: More than 10,000 new deaths reported in US in 1 week

Moderna on Wednesday released its own analysis of various studies, making the case that the company's original vaccine appears to generate the strongest protection among the three currently authorized vaccines, but also saying people who got their vaccine will also need a booster six months later.  

Like Pfizer, Moderna is requesting authorization for a booster dose six months after the primary vaccination based on evidence that boosters are safe and generate immune response, and based on newly published data from its phase 3 trial showing a lower risk of breakthrough infections among people vaccinated eight months ago compared to people vaccinated 13 months ago.  

Unlike Pfizer, Moderna’s third booster will be a half-dose. Moderna says its data shows that boosting with a half-shot seems to generate more than enough immune response.  

-ABC News' Sony Salzman

In the last five weeks, the U.S. hasn't reported a single day with fewer than 100,000 new COVID-19 cases, according to federal data. In the nearly six months between Feb. 7 and July 29, there was not a single day with more than 100,000 new cases.

Nine states -- Alaska, Georgia, Idaho, Kentucky, Oregon, South Carolina, Tennessee, Washington and West Virginia -- currently have more patients hospitalized than at any other point in the pandemic, according to federal data.

But the CDC says hospital admissions will likely decrease over the next four weeks.

Death rates are also continuing to surge, with approximately 1,260 Americans dying each day -- up by nearly 50% in the last month, according to the data.

-ABC News' Arielle Mitropoulos

Los Angeles County will require vaccination or proof of a negative test for events with more than 10,000 people, including clubs, concerts and sporting events.

As of Tuesday, LA County had 1,224 COVID-19 patients in hospitals.

In New York state, masks are now required at child care centers for children ages 2 and above and for all staff and visitors, Gov. Kathy Hochul said in a tweet Wednesday.

"These universal mask requirements apply to anyone medically able to tolerate wearing a mask, regardless of vaccination status," the governor said.

"With Delta on the rise, requiring masks is a key part of slowing the spread, reopening our economy safely, and protecting vulnerable New Yorkers," Hochul tweeted. "This new mask requirement ensures that children in our child care facilities receive the same protection as children in our schools."