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.

Germany, France gear up for new lockdowns as virus surges BERLIN (AP) — Germany and France got ready to face new lockdowns Wednesday, as governments sought to stop a fast-rising tide of coronavirus cases sweeping the continent. The World Health... AP NEWS

BERLIN (AP) — Germany and France got ready to face new lockdowns Wednesday, as governments sought to stop a fast-rising tide of coronavirus cases sweeping the continent.