The creation of Covid-19 vaccines has given the world hope that the pandemic could draw to a close this year, but in the meantime, the virus is still raging in many areas of the U.S..
In a new report, WalletHub has taken a look at how each state is faring in combating the pandemic as the rollout of vaccinations picks up momentum.
"We’ll only be able to fully get back to life as normal once most of the population is vaccinated against coronavirus, and it will still be months before we can achieve that," the report said. "The U.S. is off to a rough start so far, as only 0.62% of the population has been fully vaccinated against Covid-19 (received both doses) as of January 20."
WalletHub said it compared the 50 states and the District of Columbia using five key metrics, including the rates of Covid-19 transmission, positive testing, hospitalizations and death, as well as the share of the eligible population getting vaccinated.
"As the Covid-19 pandemic enters its second year in the U.S., staying safe is one of Americans’ top concerns," the report said. "Safety is also essential for getting the economy back on track, as the lower Covid-19 transmission and deaths are in a state, the more that state is able to eliminate restrictions on businesses."
The following states, in ascending order, were deemed the safest in the WalletHub report.
10. Missouri
The state has the fourth-lowest Covid-19 death rate in the nation.
9. Minnesota
Minnesota has the third-lowest positive test rate and the fifth-lowest hospitalization rate.
8. Utah
Utah was in the top 10 despite having the highest positive testing rate in the nation.
7. Iowa
The state has the 10th lowest Covid-19 death rate, but is in the middle of the pack for vaccination rates.
6. Hawaii
Hawaii has the lowest hospitalization and death rate in the nation.
5. North Dakota
North Dakota has the third-highest vaccination rate and the second-lowest positive testing rate.
4. Montana
Montana has the fifth-lowest death rate.
3. Colorado
The state has the sixth-lowest death rate and the 12th highest vaccination rate.
2. Vermont
Vermont has the nation's lowest Covid-19 death rate. It also has the second-lowest hospitalization rate.
1. Alaska
Alaska has the highest vaccination rate, the third-lowest hospitalization rate and the second-lowest death rate.
The full report can be viewed here.
