California is facing a record number of coronavirus cases, putting pressure on hospital resources, even as the distribution of a COVID-19 vaccine provides hope for a breakthrough in the fight against the disease.
The nation’s most populous state is doing everything possible to try to control its outbreak amid a wave into the colder months, which experts warn will be one of the worst phases of the pandemic as it unfolds. will gather more people inside.
California registered 53,326 new cases on Friday, surpassing the previous one-day record set on Wednesday by 1,000. There has been an increase of almost 19% in the last seven days, and about 1.8 million Californians have become infected with the virus.
The four deadliest days of the pandemic in California also occurred in the past week, according to a database maintained by the Los Angeles Times, with more than 22,100 deaths from COVID-19 reported in the state.
No state has had as many cases as California and only Texas and New York have had the most fatalities.
The outbreak has extended California services to the limit, with some 17,000 people hospitalized with the virus and more than 3,500 people in intensive care units (ICUs) across the state. ICU availability fell to zero percent in Southern California this week.
“This is a deadly disease, a deadly pandemic and right now we are,” the California governor said. Gavin Newsom
Gavin NewsomFEMA will reimburse California hotels used to protect vulnerable populations during the pandemic. ICU availability reaches 0 percent in southern California amid a wave of coronavirus. (D) said so this week. “We’re near the end, but we’re in the center of the sharpest peak, as it relates to what we call the third wave.”
This week, Golden State was forced to activate its “mass death” program, which serves as “an essential resource for the local sheriff-forensic, forensic or forensic doctor in case of asking for mutual help.” California has also ordered 5,000 body bags and 60 refrigerated units and is opening temporary field hospitals to help treat overflow patients.
Some areas of California are “right on this peak of overcoming.” Anthony Fauci
Anthony FauciTrump stays out of the camera while the vaccine is distributed Vaccination is not a complete answer to COVID-19 Fauci urges Americans to “step on the plate” and get vaccinated MORE, the country’s leading infectious disease expert, warned this week.
Public health officials have pressured Californians and people across the country to continue following guidelines such as wearing masks and practicing social distancing, even as pandemic fatigue continues to plague the nation and many Americans are they prepare to celebrate Christmas with others.
Officials have also expressed concern that the promise of a vaccine could produce more lax behavior. A Pfizer and BioNTech vaccine has been administered nationwide this week, while the Food and Drug Administration on Friday also urgently approved a second Moderna vaccine.
The rise in cases in California and elsewhere coincides with an ongoing debate on Capitol Hill about a new stimulus package. Democratic and Republican leaders have struggled to grab a package, though they are expected to finally reach an agreement in the coming days.