Summer 2025 COVID-19 Surge: What Meeting Planners and Employers Need to Know
As summer heats up, so do COVID-19 cases across the U.S. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), infections are currently rising or likely rising in at least 26 states and Washington, D.C., signaling a seasonal surge that event organizers and employers can’t afford to overlook.
What the Latest COVID-19 Data Shows
CDC data released in mid-July reveals a significant uptick in emergency room visits tied to COVID-19— especially among young children under the age of 4. The agency now tracks growing or likely growing case counts in states like:
Confirmed growth:
- Arkansas
- Hawaii
- Illinois
- Iowa
- Kentucky
- North Carolina
- Ohio
- Pennsylvania
- Texas
- Virginia
Likely growth:
- Alaska
- California
- Delaware
- District of Columbia
- Georgia
- Indiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Mississippi
- New Jersey
- New York
- Oklahoma
- South Carolina
- Tennessee
- Wisconsin
CBS News Chief Medical Correspondent Dr. Jon LaPook notes that these summer spikes are becoming routine. “There’s a winter spike, and then there’s a summer spike,” he told CBS Mornings. The positive news? Hospitalizations and deaths are steadily declining year-over-year. But for vulnerable populations—children, the elderly, and the immunocompromised—caution is still critical.
What Employers and Meeting Planners Should Do Now
Even as the severity of the disease declines, rising case counts can still disrupt workplace productivity. The meetings and events industry is specifically vulnerable as outbreaks can significantly disturb the continuity of business events. At InHouse Physicians, we’re seeing an increased interest in event medical support for events, especially for corporate meetings with more than 200 attendees.
To proactively protect your attendees and teams:
- Revisit your COVID contingency plans—especially if you’re hosting events in the above-listed states.
- Consider bringing in on-site medical professionals who can address symptoms in real time and help reduce emergency room visits.
- Communicate booster options to employees and attendees, particularly those 65+, immunocompromised, or unvaccinated.
What’s New with the Virus?
The current wave is largely driven by new variants, nicknamed Nimbus and Stratus. These variants don’t appear to be more severe than previous strains, and the latest vaccines still offer protection. Common symptoms remain familiar: cough, sore throat, fatigue, and fever.
Should You Get a Booster?
Here’s where it gets nuanced. The CDC now recommends shared clinical decision-making for healthy individuals — meaning you should discuss the decision with your clinician rather than automatically receiving the shot. However, the vaccine is still recommended for:
- Adults 65 and older
- Those with high-risk conditions
- People who’ve never received a COVID vaccine
- Pregnant individuals (per organizations like ACOG)
Stay Ahead of COVID-19 with IHP
Whether you're managing corporate health programs or planning large-scale events, IHP offers real-time solutions to keep your people safe. Our services include:
- On-site clinicians and EMTs
- COVID testing
- Custom risk mitigation plans tailored by region