More than 1,100 COVID deaths were reported in the U.S. this week, the highest since March, as the summer wave continued with nearly 170,000 new cases, according to figures collected by BNO News. Cases appear to have peaked in some areas. At least 169,217 new cases were reported between August 12 and August 18, up slightly from 168,243 the week before (+0.6%). Those figures were collected from state health departments and, where necessary, estimated based on hospital admissions. Actual case numbers are higher because many hospitals and states are no longer reporting detailed COVID data. Laborat…