US breaks another record for daily coronavirus infections, accounting for one-third of global cases
The United States broke records in new coronavirus cases, hospitalisations, and deaths from the novel virus
(AP)The United States has hit several grim milestones in recent weeks as the coronavirus surges in the vast majority of states across the country.
On Friday, the country hit a record number of new coronavirus cases in a single day with 228,767 recorded, according to The New York Times daily tracker.
Globally, 686,892 new coronavirus cases were recorded on Friday, meaning the US accounted for one-third of new cases around the world.
Coronavirus cases are not the only data point on the rise throughout the country. In total, 101,276 people were in hospitals on Friday due to the Covid-19 – the highest number of hospitalised for the novel virus since the start of the pandemic.
The country also recorded its highest daily death toll on Wednesday after 2,733 died from the novel virus in a single day, according to the COVID Tracking Project.
The current surge has influenced the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to issue new public health guidance on Friday in its weekly report.
It was recommended for all state and local agencies to “issue policies or directives mandating universal use of face masks in indoor (non-household) settings” – which was stronger guidance from what the CDC has previously advised.
Also, the CDC asked Americans to avoid all “non-essential” indoor spaces and travel ahead of the holiday season.
Health experts have warned the upcoming holiday season could further increase the current surge, as the potential impact of Thanksgiving was not yet known after Americans were told to only celebrate within their immediate household.
"We have not yet seen the full effect of a potential surge upon a surge," Dr Anthony Fauci told CNN on Friday. "The travel associated with Thanksgiving, the congregating at family and social gatherings with people indoors, sometimes without masks. So that may peak two to three weeks from now."
He expected the surge to also pick up again with Hanukkah, Christmas, and New Years coming up.
"So, we're really very concerned," Dr Fauci said.
Several states implemented stricter coronavirus guidelines in recent weeks due to the current surge.
In California, Governor Gavin Newsom issued a new guidance that would last for at least three weeks in an effort to curb the spread of the novel virus. The new guidance strictly limited store capacity and only allowed restaurants to provide takeout or delivery services.
“If we don’t act now our hospital system will be overwhelmed,” Mr Newsom said. “If we don’t act now we’ll continue to see our death rate climb.”
The states of New York, Delaware, and Michigan, among others, have also issued stricter guidelines in recent weeks, as officials implore residents to stay home and avoid unnecessary travel.
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