New coronavirus cases fall for fifth week

The pace of new coronavirus infections in the U.S. fell by nearly 20% over the past week — the fifth straight week of double-digit declines.

The big picture: America’s vaccination drive is working, and as it continues to expand, the country can safely get back to many of its pre-pandemic routines.

By the numbers: The U.S. averaged roughly 24,000 new cases per day over the past week, a 20% drop from week before. Cases have fallen every week since mid-April.

38 states improved over the past week. Only four states saw their outbreaks grow.

This is happening because of the vaccines. Half of American adults are fully vaccinated, and roughly 62% of adults have gotten at least one shot, according to the CDC.