As coronavirus cases rise swiftly around the country, surpassing both the spring and summer surges, health officials brace for a coming wave of hospitalizations and deaths. Knowing which hospitals in which communities are reaching capacity could be key to an effective response to the growing crisis. That information is gathered by the federal government — but not shared openly with the public.

NPR has obtained documents that give a snapshot of data the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services collects and analyzes daily. The documents — reports sent to agency staffers — highlight trends in hospitalizations and pinpoint cities nearing full hospital capacity and facilities under stress. They paint a granular picture of the strain on hospitals across the country that could help local citizens decide when to take extra precautions against COVID-19.

Global coronavirus cases rise by single-day record of half a million Global coronavirus cases rose by more than 500,000 for the first time on Wednesday, a record one-day increase as countries across the Northern Hemisphere reported daily spikes. Shaina Ahluwalia, Anurag Maan U.S.

(Reuters) - Global coronavirus cases rose by more than 500,000 for the first time on Wednesday, a record one-day increase as countries across the Northern Hemisphere reported daily spikes.

Federal government to pay for future virus vaccines for Americans The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services says it wants to ensure ‘broad vaccine access and coverage.’ When a coronavirus vaccine is approved by the Food and Drug Administration to be safely delivered to Americans, the costs of it will be covered by the government. The Centers for Medicare and YahooNews

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services says it wants to ensure ‘broad vaccine access and coverage.’

Activists urge 'Big Pharma' to be transparent on COVID-19 vaccine costs Activists called on pharmaceutical companies on Thursday to be transparent about the costs and terms of providing COVID-19 vaccines, saying they must be available and affordable for all. Stephanie Nebehay U.S.

GENEVA (Reuters) - Activists called on pharmaceutical companies on Thursday to be transparent about the costs and terms of providing COVID-19 vaccines, saying they must be available and affordable for all.

White House advisers warn of 'unrelenting' COVID-19 spread in U.S. Midwest, West The White House coronavirus task force is warning of a persistent and broad spread of COVID-19 in the western half of the United States and its members urged aggressive mitigation measures. Reuters Staff U.S.

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The White House coronavirus task force is warning of a persistent and broad spread of COVID-19 in the western half of the United States and its members urged aggressive mitigation measures.

There's no place like home for getting the Covid-19 vaccine - STAT Delivering the Covid-19 vaccine to people in their homes can help achieve the national distribution necessary to stop the pandemic. Patrick Skerrett STAT

Staying at home has never been so vital for older Americans and those with compromised health. After nine months of the coronavirus pandemic, sheltering in place is still the most effective protection against Covid-19 for many older adults, and likely will be until an effective vaccine helps stop the pandemic.