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

Some of the highest death tolls are in Texas, Georgia and North Carolina.

ByEmily Shapiro, Ivan Pereira, Marlene Lenthang, Meredith Deliso, and Morgan Winsor
Last Updated: September 17, 2021, 10:44 AM EDT

The United States is facing a COVID-19 surge this summer as the more contagious delta variant spreads.

More than 672,000 Americans have died from COVID-19 while over 4.6 million people have died from the disease worldwide, according to real-time data compiled by the Center for Systems Science and Engineering at Johns Hopkins University.

Just 63.6% of Americans ages 12 and up are fully vaccinated against COVID-19, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Latest headlines:

Here's how the news is developing. All times Eastern.
Sep 17, 2021, 10:44 AM EDT

More than 10,000 new deaths reported in US in 1 week

The U.S. recorded more than 10,100 confirmed COVID-19 related deaths in one week, according to federal data. States with some of the highest death tolls are Texas, Georgia and North Carolina.

White flags stand near the Washington Monument on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., Sept. 15, 2021.
Patrick Semansky/AP

The U.S. reported more than 1.02 million cases over the last week. This is a major step back in the fight against COVID-19; in June, the U.S. recorded just 80,000 new cases in one week.

Tennessee and West Virginia currently have the country's highest case rate, followed by Alaska, Wyoming, South Carolina, Montana and Kentucky, according to federal data.

PHOTO: Sgt. Katrina Byrne of the Kentucky National Guard labels pharmaceuticals as a pharmacy technician at St. Claire Regional Medical Center on Sept. 16, 2021, in Morehead, Kentucky.
Sgt. Katrina Byrne of the Kentucky National Guard labels pharmaceuticals as a pharmacy technician at St. Claire Regional Medical Center on Sept. 16, 2021, in Morehead, Kentucky. Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear made the call to mobilize the Kentucky National Guard as supplemental non-clinical logistical support to address critical staff shortages amid another COVID-19 surge in the region.
Jon Cherry/Getty Images

-ABC News' Arielle Mitropoulos

Sep 17, 2021, 10:00 AM EDT

Lions, tigers test positive at National Zoo

Six lions and three tigers at the Smithsonian's National Zoo have tested presumptive positive for the virus that causes COVID-19, the zoo said.

PHOTO: Lions and tigers at the Smithsonian's National Zoo have tested presumptive positive for the virus that causes COVID-19. All great cats are being treated with medication and are under close observation.
Lions and tigers at the Smithsonian's National Zoo have tested presumptive positive for the virus that causes COVID-19. All great cats are being treated with medication and are under close observation. Pictured in this photo is adult male African lion, Luke.
Smithsonian’s National Zoo & Conservation Biology Institute

Last weekend the animals were observed to be coughing, sneezing, fatigued and showing decreased appetites, the zoo said. No other animals are showing symptoms.

"Given the substantial distance between the animals and visitors, the public is not at risk," the zoo said. "The Zoo has conducted a thorough investigation of all staff that were in close proximity to the lions and tigers. There is no evidence to pinpoint the source of the infection."

The animals are being treated with antibiotics for presumptive secondary bacterial pneumonia as well as anti-inflammatories and anti-nausea medication.

A vaccine made specifically for zoo animals is expected to be available in the coming months, the zoo said.

Sep 17, 2021, 9:16 AM EDT

FDA advisory panel discussion underway for Pfizer booster shots

The FDA's independent advisory committee meeting is now underway to debate Pfizer's booster shots. 

After a full day of presentations, Q&A and debate, the committee will vote at about 4:45 p.m. ET on whether a booster dose is safe enough for widespread use and whether it's necessary and effective at improving protection levels against COVID-19.

A syringe is prepared with the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine at a clinic at the Reading Area Community College in Reading, Pa., Sept. 14, 2021.
Matt Rourke/AP

The vote will be non-binding. The FDA is not required to follow the advisory committee’s recommendations but generally does so. After that vote, the FDA will formally amend its current vaccine approval for Pfizer.

Next week, the matter heads to the CDC’s independent advisory panel whose members will weigh in on who should get a booster and when. The CDC Director will then formally sign off on what the panel recommends.

-ABC News' Sasha Pezenik

Sep 16, 2021, 7:39 PM EDT

Seattle to require proof of vaccination or negative test for indoor recreation, large outdoor events

The most populous county in Washington state will implement COVID-19 vaccine and testing requirements for indoor dining, large outdoor events and other activities. 

Starting Oct. 25, proof of COVID-19 vaccination will be required for everyone ages 12 and up to enter indoor establishments, including restaurants, bars, gyms and movie theaters, and attend outdoor events with more than 500 people in King County, home to Seattle, officials announced Thursday.

Those who are not vaccinated must show proof of a negative PCR COVID-19 test in the last 72 hours or take a rapid test on site prior to entry. 

"We are at a critical point in this pandemic, with high levels of new COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations, and no certainty as to what will follow the Delta variant," King County Executive Dow Constantine said in a statement. "Vaccination is our best shield against this deadly virus." 

Over 85% of King County residents have received at least their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, according to Constantine.

Lumen Field, home of the NFL's Seattle Seahawks, already required vaccination or a negative test, while the MLB's Seattle Mariners said last week they would institute the same guidelines should they make the playoffs.

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