US hits 150,000 deaths from COVID-19 as states struggle to halt resurgence - USA TODAY
US hits 150,000 deaths from COVID-19 as states struggle to halt resurgence - USA TODAY |
- US hits 150,000 deaths from COVID-19 as states struggle to halt resurgence - USA TODAY
- Coronavirus updates: US deaths surpass 150,000; AG Barr tests negative; Pelosi mandates masks on House floor - USA TODAY
- Florida, California and North Carolina report record numbers of coronavirus deaths for one day - The Washington Post
| US hits 150,000 deaths from COVID-19 as states struggle to halt resurgence - USA TODAY Posted: 29 Jul 2020 01:04 PM PDT CLOSE  The US recently topped 4 million confirmed COVID-19 cases and now has reached another unenviable milestone. USA TODAY The U.S. surged past 150,000 COVID-19 fatalities Wednesday as states battle a resurgence of the virus with differing attitudes about how to stop the spread. The bleak milestone, reported by Johns Hopkins, comes on the heels of the U.S. hitting 4 million confirmed infections July 23. The death toll stood at 150,034 as of 4 p.m. EDT on Wednesday. And there is not much relief in sight. The three most populous states – California, Texas and Florida – were among several that set seven-day records for virus deaths this week. Others set records for new cases. Tennessee and Arkansas set records for both. The first known U.S. death was Feb. 6. Almost six months later the number of deaths is appalling – and could reach 200,000 in less than two months from now. That's based on the current average of 1,019 deaths per day this last week. Exact models and projections are even more disturbing. A coronavirus forecast cited by the White House now projects more than 220,000 Americans could die of Covid-19 by Nov. 1. Experts say the increase in cases and deaths is largely because of states easing restrictions and reopening their economies too soon. "We were not careful and it became like a domino effect," Dr. Anne Rimoin, epidemiologist and director of UCLA's COVID-19 Rapid Response Initiative, told USA TODAY. State and local laws differ widely on how to curb the spread of the virus: Some governors are advocating more aggressive social distancing and masks; others have fought mandatory restrictions and balked a shutting down their economies a second time in the face of a surge. "Everybody rushed back to normal when what we really needed to be doing was doubling down," Rimoin said. "We are not doing enough to suppress the spread of the virus." Vaccine trial: 'Historic' moment as large-scale trials of potential COVID-19 vaccines begin Increasingly, the virus is having a ripple effect on other areas of health. The United Nations said this week that coronavirus-linked hunger is leading to the deaths of 10,000 children a month because of fears of contamination and movement restrictions. Dr. Deborah Birx of the White House coronavirus task force warned local and state leaders of a concerning rise in cases in 11 cities, according to audio obtained by the Center for Public Integrity. She listed Baltimore, Cleveland, Columbus, Ohio; Indianapolis, Las Vegas, Miami, Minneapolis, Nashville, Tennessee; New Orleans, Pittsburgh and St. Louis. "What started out very much as a southern and western epidemic is starting to move up the East Coast into Tennessee, Arkansas, up into Missouri, up across Colorado, and obviously we're talking about increases now in Baltimore," Birx said. "So this is really critical that everybody is following this and making sure they're being aggressive about mitigation efforts." The record numbers of new weekly coronavirus cases that Arizona, Florida, Texas and California experienced a month ago are now playing out as record numbers of deaths in those states. Texas' death toll continues to rise, and the state had a record 1,607 deaths in the week ending Monday, a USA TODAY analysis of Johns Hopkins University data shows. That translates into a Texan dying every 6 minutes, 16 seconds. Texas' weekly death toll is more than seven times its worst week through April. An analysis of Johns Hopkins data released late Monday show eight states set records for new coronavirus counts – and eight set records for deaths. Many states that were seeing cases surge several weeks ago have stopped breaking records for new cases, including Alabama, Georgia, Nevada and South Carolina. But all of those states broke records for deaths on Monday night. The U.S. is "knee-deep" in the first wave of the coronavirus pandemic, Dr. Anthony Fauci, the nation's top infectious disease expert, recently said. "And I would say, this would not be considered a wave. It was a surge or a resurgence of infections superimposed upon a baseline." Southern and Southwestern states became a hotbed for the resurgence soon after they reopened in late May and early June. In about one month, Florida saw its case rate quadruple. In the west, Arizona's death toll is now more than five times worse than its worst week in the spring, while Florida is well over double. California is about 24% above its worst spring death toll. According to a federal report, the "Red Zone" states climbed to 21, meaning they reached more than 100 new cases per 100,000 people in one week. According to The New York Times, the "Red Zone" states are Alabama, Arizona, Kansas, California, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Nevada, North Carolina, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah and Wisconsin. With deaths rising, Americans are preparing for precautions to continue into the fall season. According to The Harris Poll survey of 1,970 U.S. adults from July 18-19, 61% of Americans are anticipating a stay-at-home fall with jobs continuing to be remote and parents choosing virtual courses from home. Meanwhile, more and more retailers are mandating that face masks or coverings be worn in their stores, including large companies like Walmart, Target, CVS, Home Depot and Walgreens. Those decisions only add to the hot button issue as some believe that wearing a mask violates constitutional rights while the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended masks as a way to prevent the spread of the virus. Only recently did President Donald Trump make his first attempt at encouraging the use of face masks since the pandemic started. He also brought back daily coronavirus task force briefings this month after suspending them in April. The resurgence in cases, he claims, has been fueled by protests over the death of George Floyd, an increase in travel, migrants crossing the U.S.-Mexico border and summer holidays. Though experts generally blame the spike in cases on lax restrictions, the resurgence has left some states reconsidering their safety mandates. Infectious disease physician Alysse Wurcel told USA TODAY that some states might consider going back to an earlier phase. She said people won't see immediate effects of safety protocols such as wearing a mask, but that wearing one is a best practice in preventing the spread of the virus. "I think actions now will only show benefits in a month or two because the infection that spreads today will cause the illness in 14 days, which will cause the death a month or so later," Wurcel said. "It's really hard to convince people that whatever they are doing today, you won't see the benefits of it for a month." A COVID-19 vaccine at what price? Should all Americans be able to get a shot for free? As for a potential COVID-19 vaccine, scientists across the world are rushing to develop one. The Trump administration announced a $1.95 billion deal with Pfizer and BioNTech for 100 million doses of their vaccine candidate, which the companies hope to get approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration by October. The firms said Americans will receive the vaccine for free. Meanwhile, the National Institutes of Health and a U.S. biotech company called Moderna began the first large-scale American test for a potential vaccine with 30,000 volunteers. Read or Share this story: https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2020/07/29/covid-resurgence-deaths-surpass-150-k/5489494002/  |
| Posted: 29 Jul 2020 05:22 PM PDT CLOSE The US recently topped 4 million confirmed COVID-19 cases and now has reached another unenviable milestone. USA TODAY The U.S. death toll from the coronavirus pandemic surpassed 150,000 Wednesday with little indication the historic global health crisis is diminishing. Later in the day, the results of Attorney General William Barr's coronavirus test came back negative. Barr took the test after coming close to Texas GOP congressman Louie Gohmert the previous day when neither one was wearing a mask. Gohmert was revealed to have tested positive Wednesday, prompting Speaker Nancy Pelosi to require all members to wear a mask on the House floor. Barely two months ago, the number of Americans killed by the virus was 100,000. Just last week the U.S. surpassed 4 million infections, doubling its total case count in six weeks. And the nation is still averaging about 1,000 deaths and 60,000 infections per day. Not all states are on the same trajectory, of course. New York and some of the Northeastern states have tamped down the surge. California, Texas and Florida are among a raft of states now struggling mightily. "As is the case with any infectious outbreak, there are different curves playing out at the same time," said Ogbonnaya Omenka, an associate professor and public health specialist at Butler University. "In essence, it's getting better and worse at the same time." . Twitter continued a crackdown on tweets about fake cures that has already ensnared President Donald Trump. This time, Madonna got called out. Here are some significant developments: 📈 Today's numbers: The U.S. has recorded more than 150,000 deaths and nearly 4.4 million cases of COVID-19, according to Johns Hopkins University. Worldwide, there have been over 662,000 deaths and 16.8 million cases. 📰 What we're reading: Call it coronavirus déjà vu. After planning ways to reopen campuses this fall, colleges are increasingly changing their minds, dramatically increasing online offerings or canceling in-person classes outright. Read more. Our live blog is being updated throughout the day. Refresh for the latest news, and get updates in your inbox with The Daily Briefing. Attorney General Barr tests negativeA day after his brief interaction with Rep. Louie Gohmert, who has contracted the coronavirus, Attorney General Bill Barr tested negative Wednesday, the Justice Department reported. Barr took the test after being notified of Gohmert's positive result. Gohmert joins a growing number of lawmakers to contract the virus. The Texas Republican has previously refused to wear a mask while speaking on the House floor, and reporters on Capitol Hill have frequently spotted him without one. Gohmert said he has worn a mask more ''in the last week or two'' and suggested he may have contracted the virus by moving it around on his face. "I can't help but think if I hadn't been wearing a mask so much in the last 10 days or so, I really wonder if I wouldn't have gotten it," he said. -- Jason Lalljee, Kevin Johnson and David Jackson Pelosi mandates masks on House floorHours after a Republican congressman who opposes face mask mandates tested positive for COVID-19, Speaker Nancy Pelosi said all members of the House of Representatives would be required to wear them on the floor. Pelosi, D-Calif., said lawmakers could be removed from the floor if they are not wearing a face covering. Earlier Wednesday, it was revealed Texas Rep. Louie Gohmert, who usually eschews masks, has contracted the virus. "The chair expects all members and staff to adhere to the requirement as a sign of respect for the health, safety and well-being of others present in the chamber," Pelosi said, adding that a lawmaker not wearing a mask would be considered a "serious breach of decorum." -- Christal Hayes Chief of staff not optimistic about dealWhite House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows cast doubt on the possibility of a stimulus deal Wednesday, telling reporters on Capitol Hill after meetings with Democratic leaders that he's not optimistic of reaching an agreement. On Monday, Republicans unveiled a $1 billion pandemic-relief package that, among other things, would decrease the current $600-a-week unemployment supplement to as low as $200. In May, House Democrats proposed a plan that would extend the $600 boost through the rest of the year. "We're nowhere close to a deal," Meadows said, adding, "It means enhanced unemployment insurance provisions will expire" on Friday. Nicholas Wu and Savannah Behrmann Florida deaths surpass 200 in a day for first timeThe Florida Department of Health reported an inauspicious daily record of COVID-19 deaths for the second day in a row Wednesday. The 216 fatalities marked the first time deaths have surpassed 200 and bring the state death toll to 6,333. If the state averages 200 fatalities per day, the total death toll would more than double by Labor Day. The surge comes less than two weeks before some public schools begin their new school year amid pressure from state officials to provide in-class education. The number of new COVID-19 cases increased by 9,446 Wednesday, marking the 36th consecutive day the state has recorded more than 5,000 new cases. There was a modest silver lining – the state has recorded four straight days with less than 10,000 new cases, the first time that's happened since July 6-9. CLOSE Florida has seen a recent surge in COVID-19 cases. Emory University's Dr. Bob Bednarczyk breaks down what this means for the state. USA TODAY Doctor in video Trump retweeted was sued in woman's deathA Houston doctor who has made outrageous claims and appeared on a video retweeted by Trump was sued for malpractice after a woman she treated in Louisiana died last year, the Houston Chronicle reported. In the video, Dr. Stella Immanuel touts the coronavirus-fighting virtues of hydroxychloroquine, a malaria drug Trump has repeatedly promoted even though federal regulators last month revoked authorization of its use as an emergency treatment amid growing evidence it doesn't work and can have deadly side effects. "You don't need masks. There is a cure,'' Immanuel says in the video, which Twitter and Facebook took down because it spread coronavirus misinformation. "You don't need people to be locked down." "I thought she was very impressive,'' Trump said about Immanuel on Tuesday. Immanuel, who has said some medical conditions can be caused by having sex with demons in a dream, was sued in January. She and another doctor treated a Louisiana woman named Leslie Norvell who said she had part of a hypodermic needle stuck in her arm, the newspaper reported, adding that Norvell died six days later. Pence vows support for schools to reopenThe Trump administration continued its push to have schools reopen for in-person learning during the pandemic, as Vice President Mike Pence visited a class of fourth graders at a North Carolina private school. Trump has threatened to withhold federal funds from K-12 schools that don't reopen their classrooms in the fall term, a critical component of igniting the economy by allowing parents to return to work. "We're all going to make sure schools across America have the support to open up and stay open," said Pence, who was joined at the Raleigh-area campus of Thales Academy by Education Secretary Betsy DeVos. The Los Angeles school district, the country's second largest, has already said all instruction in the fall will be online. So has San Diego's. Many other districts are still formulating their plans. New York's has said it will go with a hybrid approach. At the schools in the town of Alcoa south of Knoxville, Tennessee, which are employing a hybrid, staggered schedule, one person tested positive for the coronavirus two days after students returned July 22. Anyone who came in contact with the infected person will have to quarantine for 14 days. CLOSE President Donald Trump criticizes the CDC guidelines for the upcoming school year. Which includes children, teachers, and staff getting regularly tested. USA TODAY Increasingly, many pandemic job losses looking permanentEveryone wants the current unemployment crisis to be temporary. But new data reveals that millions of jobless Americans may not have a role to return to once the pandemic ends. In April, 78% of those in households experiencing job loss felt that situation would be temporary. Now, almost half think that job loss is likely to be permanent, according to The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research. All told, roughly 10 million workers might need to find a new employer after the pandemic wraps up, and some might need to switch gears and find a new profession altogether. – Maurie Backman, The Motley Fool Alabama extends mask requirementWith the start of the school year looming and hospital intensive care units at near capacity, Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey extended a state order requiring face masks in public through Aug. 31. "Y'all, we just must remain vigilant if we are going to get our kids back in school and keep our economy open,'' said the Republican governor, acknowledging the mask mandate is not popular in her conservative state. "Wearing a mask can't hurt, but it sure can help." Tailgates, frat parties a concern as colleges ready to openIt's not just the action on the field that poses health risks as the college football world mulls how to put on a season. Game days, often packed with frat parties and tailgates, are worrying health officials who say such events could spark outbreaks of COVID-19. Will young people, who have been a catalyst for the surge in coronavirus cases this summer, abide by social distancing guidelines as they return to campus in the fall? Are fraternity brothers and sorority sisters going to put parties on hold? "Absolutely not," predicts Zulema Avila, a rising junior at Louisiana State University and member of the Delta Zeta sorority. "Even if they don't allow spectators inside the (stadium), there's still going to be tailgates, there's still going to be apartment parties and Greek life parties." – Jay Cannon Bill Gates: $3B for poor nations is 'most impactful' to end pandemicThe latest Republican coronavirus stimulus proposal, which includes $3 billion for vaccines for poor countries, is "the most impactful money ever" for halting the global pandemic, Bill Gates told USA TODAY. Gates has been quietly advocating for the U.S. to retake its leadership role in global public health, a role that essentially ended with the U.S. dropping out of the World Health Organization earlier this year. Gates said this week's proposal represents a return to leadership – though the commitment falls short of what he believes is needed. "It's hard to overstate how much the U.S. historically has led" global health efforts, Gates said. – Elizabeth Weise Drug to treat severe COVID-19 fails in clinical trialOne of the most promising approaches to treating COVID-19 has failed in a large clinical trial. The drug tocilizumab (sold under the brand name Actemra) had been expected to be effective against severe infections of the virus that causes COVID-19 because it tamps down the immune overreaction that often takes place in those patients. The results are not yet published, but Genentech, which manufactures Actemra, announced Wednesday that its large Phase 3 trial did not improve results for patients hospitalized with severe COVID-19 or reduce deaths. Researchers found some indication that the drug might reduce the time those patients spend in the hospital, but the difference wasn't statistically significant. – Karen Weintraub Latinos struggle to find testing, take brunt of virus outbreaksAs the virus silently spreads from workplaces to homes and communities, Latinos are bearing the the brunt. And, experts and advocates say, inadequate or simply unavailable testing is one of the reasons. In 20 of 27 states that reported positive coronavirus cases by ethnicity, growth among Latinos has outpaced overall growth since Memorial Day, according to a USA TODAY analysis. Nationwide, Latinos have been four times as likely as whites to be hospitalized, according to data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. At the Catholic Charities Diocese of Stockton, California, Executive Director Elvira Ramirez says she noticed a lack of testing in her community months ago. "Every time we would ask, 'Well what about testing?' it seemed as though there was no testing being done," Ramirez said. "Finally there is something in place, but it seems woefully inadequate to the need." – Jayme Fraser, Erin Mansfield, Matt Wynn and Scott Linesburgh Many colleges walking back plans for in-classroom learning this fallAfter planning ways to reopen campuses this fall, colleges are increasingly changing their minds, dramatically increasing online offerings or canceling in-person classes outright. This sudden shift will be familiar to students whose spring plans were interrupted by the rapid spread of the coronavirus. In many cases, the colleges had released plans for socially distant in-person classes only a few weeks ago, hoping to beat the coronavirus. "Instead, the virus beat us," said Robert Kelchen, a professor of higher education at Seton Hall University. – Chris Quintana The Chainsmokers concert draws a crowd – and wrath from CuomoNew York state's Health Department will investigate "egregious social distancing violations" in the village of Southampton after video showed crowds standing close together at a concert featuring The Chainsmokers. Gov. Andrew Cuomo questioned why local law enforcement didn't break up the show, saying it was "out of control and all the rules were being violated." The state's investigation will look at the role of local leaders and reports of "ongoing" violations in Southampton, Cuomo said. The Saturday night concert, dubbed "Safe & Sound," was billed as a charity drive-in show. "We have no tolerance for the illegal reckless endangerment of public health," Cuomo tweeted. Fatalities climb in nation's most populous statesCalifornia, Florida and Texas were among nine states recording a record number of deaths over a seven-day period that ended Tuesday, a USA TODAY analysis of Johns Hopkins data shows. Nine states also set records for newly confirmed cases. Arkansas had the dubious distinction of being on both lists. The state had newly confirmed cases and 54 deaths. In California, Gov. Gavin Newsom said the virus is disproportionately impacting Latinos, particularly in the state's Central Valley. Newsom unveiled a proposed $52M plan for eight Central Valley counties to help expand disease investigation, contact tracing and quarantine efforts. – Mike Stucka Madonna's Instagram account flagged for promoting fake COVID-19 'cure'Instagram flagged Madonna's account Tuesday night, and a post appeared blurred with a warning over the video: "False Information." The text continues, "Reviewed by independent fact-checkers," and provides a list of incorrect assertions in Madonna's post. Madonna shared a video and caption about unproven coronavirus conspiracy theories. The video, about a fake cure, echoed the same misinformation as a clip that was taken down from Twitter after President Donald Trump shared it. On Madonna's post, fact-checkers note that there is not yet a cure for COVID-19 and that hydroxychloroquine is not a cure. – Carly Mallenbaum Arizona protesters want in-person classes at schoolsA protest in support of schools offering in-person classes for the upcoming academic year amid the COVID-19 pandemic drew around 100 people Tuesday evening at the Arizona Capitol. The protest is called "AZ Open Our Schools Rally" and was organized for families and educators who want in-person learning options at Arizona schools. Attendees wore green to the demonstration at the state Capitol because "Green means GO for education!" according to the rally's Facebook page. Several speakers talked about school reopening plans. "We don't want to force people to do things they don't want to do, but we also don't want to be forced to do things we don't want to do, for example, online school," a woman said to cheers from the crowd. – Helena Wegner and Perry Vandell, Arizona Republic What we're readingMore COVID-19 resources from USA TODAYOn Facebook: There's still a lot unknown about the coronavirus. But what we do know, we're sharing with you. Join our Facebook group, "Coronavirus Watch," to receive daily updates in your feed and chat with others in the community about COVID-19. In your inbox: Stay up-to-date with the latest news on the coronavirus pandemic from the USA TODAY Network. Sign up for the daily Coronavirus Watch newsletter here. Tips for coping: Every Saturday and Tuesday we'll be in your inbox, offering you a virtual hug and a little bit of solace in these difficult times. Sign up for Staying Apart, Together here. Contributing: The Associated Press Read or Share this story: https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/health/2020/07/29/covid-updates-trump-stimulus-florida-schools/5528120002/  |
| Posted: 29 Jul 2020 08:30 PM PDT  July 29, 2020 at 9:39 PM EDT New U.S. deaths pass 1,300 in highest 1-day count since late MayDaily coronavirus-related deaths in the United States have passed 1,300 for Wednesday with Washington state's figures not yet reported — the highest one-day count since the latter half of May. A series of four-digit daily totals last week underscored the virus's sustained resurgence in much of the country this summer. As of Wednesday evening, according to data tracked by The Washington Post, more than 147,600 deaths have been reported nationwide since the beginning of the pandemic. Thirteen states reached their highest seven-day averages for novel coronavirus deaths. California, Florida, Idaho and North Carolina on Wednesday broke their records for virus-related deaths reported in a single day, while Texas posted 313 new deaths — higher than the state's recent average, though lower than the single-day high of 675 that Texas had on Monday. With its report of 217 new deaths Wednesday, Florida joined Texas as one of eight states that have tallied more than 200 single-day deaths at some point during the pandemic. New Jersey remains the state with the highest single-day count on record: 1,877 new deaths reported on June 25 after authorities added more than 1,800 probable deaths to the state's totals, according to The Post's tracking. But deaths in the tri-state region slowed as the pandemic's hot spots shifted to other regions of the country. New York, once the country's viral epicenter, posted six fatalities Wednesday, and its high of 1,250 deaths in one day occurred in mid-April. By Hannah Knowles, Jacqueline Dupree and Meryl Kornfield  |
| You are subscribed to email updates from "news of the week usa" - Google News. To stop receiving these emails, you may unsubscribe now. | Email delivery powered by Google |
| Google, 1600 Amphitheatre Parkway, Mountain View, CA 94043, United States | |
Comments
Post a Comment