U.S. coronavirus updates: 5 states set new daily coronavirus records
Published Date: 6/28/2020
Source: axios.com
Data: The Center for Systems Science and Engineering at Johns Hopkins; Map: Andrew Witherspoon/Axios. This graphic includes "probable deaths" that New York City began reporting on April 14.The number of people to test positive for the novel coronavirus exceeded 2.5 million from over 30 million tests in the U.S. on Saturday evening, Johns Hopkins data shows.Driving the news: Five states reported new daily COVID-19 records on Saturday: Florida (9,585), Arizona (3,951), Georgia (1,190), South Carolina (1,599) and Nevada (1,100).26 states reported rises in COVID-19 infections over the past week, with new cases up 77% in Arizona, 75% in Michigan, 70% in Texas and 66% in Florida. By the numbers: Over 125,500 people have died from the virus in the U.S. Infection numbers jumped by 45,000 Friday, per Johns Hopkins. More than 679,300 Americans have recovered from the virus.Data from antibody tests shows the total number of U.S. cases could be as high as 23 million — 10 times more than the number of confirmed cases, the CDC said. What's happening: More congressional Republicans are advocating for face coverings and rigorous testing for the coronavirus.Some intensive care units in Mississippi were full and Houston issued the highest-level emergency alert with ICUs nearing capacity on Saturday amid soaring case numbers, per the New York Times.Vice President Mike Pence's planned campaign appearances in Arizona and Florida have been postponed rising coronavirus infections in both states.Texas Gov. Greg Abbott said in a radio interview on Friday, "If I could go back and redo anything, it probably would have been to slow down the opening of bars," as he observes the "aftermath of how quickly the coronavirus spread," per the Texas Tribune.Abbott (R) issued an executive order Friday for all bars to close by 12 p.m. and that restaurants must decrease their capacity from 75% to 50% due to a surge in coronavirus cases. The order came one day after the state suspended elective surgeries again to free up beds for coronavirus patients.Lawmakers running for reelection are restructuring campaigns around frequent virtual town halls — a stretch for many Baby Boomers and older Generation X-ers who depend on staffers or grandchildren for their tech skills.The coronavirus is spreading at more than double the rate of the rest of the U.S. in counties that are at least a quarter Hispanic.16 of the NBA's 302 players — or 5.3% — tested positive for the coronavirus after league-wide testing, the Players Association announced Friday.Most voters in Jacksonville oppose moving the main events of the Republican national convention to the Florida city, with 71% citing coronavirus fears. Many states in the South and West have seen their infection rates skyrocket as restrictions have been lifted.Trends to watch:Vaccine: Countries around the world and the global economy are desperately waiting for a coronavirus vaccine, and experts say there is a chance one will become available in record time.New risk factors: The CDC included more demographic groups who are at risk for the coronavirus such as younger people who are obese and who have underlying health problems.When to wear a mask: Scientific evidence shows face masks can help to control the spread of the novel coronavirus, but the nuances and changes in messaging about their use are complicating public health efforts.Elections: States need to determine how to hold safe elections by this fall. And state governments are facing budget shortfalls that threaten layoffs for public sector employees. Go deeper ... In photos: Life in the era of coronavirus across the U.S.Editor's note: The graphic includes "probable deaths" that New York City began reporting on April 14. This article has been updated with new details throughout. Check back for the latest.