Unless the disease is eliminated, the cumulative count will not decrease. Experts are unable to use that scenario to assess disease spread. Multiple daily counts can signal that the curve is flattening, which means that all cases have plateaued. Since the exponential growth of cases in the U.S., public health has been focused on mitigating spread and preparing to handle a potential patient surge through bolstering the health system. The theory is that if the first, which reduces spread via social distancing, succeeds, then the second, which overtaxes the healthcare system, becomes less of an issue. If public health strategies are successful, then worst-case scenarios preparations will be less necessary. View all COVID-19 data. To support this work, you can make a regular donation to us today as part of the Spring Member Drive.