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.
