US records 52,000 coronavirus cases on Wednesday, biggest spike ever
What's the story
In a worrying development, the United States reported 52,000 new coronavirus cases on Wednesday, its biggest spike ever since. This development came after Dr. Anthony Fauci, the country's top disease researcher, said the US was moving in the wrong direction, and he wouldn't be surprised if cases reached 100,000 per day. Despite the worrying figure, President Donald Trump remains confident coronavirus "will just disappear."
States
Few states are driving the US' coronavirus surge
The spurt in the US' tally is driven largely by southern and western states, like Florida, Arizona, Texas, and California. Texas topped its earlier benchmark of daily cases as it reported 8,000 fresh ones. California reported 110 deaths on Wednesday, more than any other state. It added 9,740 new cases to its tally. Similarly, Florida reported more than 6,500 cases yesterday.
Details
Faced with rise in cases, states are bringing back curbs
Evidently, the states that are now reporting the new surge had showed readiness in reopening. California, which is the most-populous state, took the lead in imposing restrictions but relaxed them recently. As a result, cases surged, prompting Governor Gavin Newsom to bring back some curbs. On Wednesday, he said bars must be closed and indoor operations in restaurants/movie theaters/card rooms must also be stopped.
Order
Notably, restaurants aren't exactly shutting down in California
Newsom's diktat, which he hopes will remain in place for three weeks, comes ahead of the fourth of July celebrations. This implies California could see low-key Independence Day festivities. And, in a bid to pacify citizens, Newsom said the order doesn't necessarily mean restaurants will be shut. The activities will be moved outdoors to slow the spread of the virus, he explained.
Arizona
Arizona, which was appreciated for unlocking, imposed curbs again
Likewise in Arizona, Governor Doug Ducey has decided to shut water parks. Bars, movie theaters, and gyms will also remain shut for 30 days. The opening-up program, for which Ducey was appreciated by President Trump, clearly backfired as Arizona has reported 4,700 new cases. Vice President Mike Pence told the Governor 500 additional healthcare personnel (like doctors, nurses) would be sent to his state.
Texas
Meanwhile, healthcare infrastructure is collapsing in Texas
Texas, which also reopened swiftly, is now worried about its healthcare infrastructure. Ambulances in Houston reportedly waited for hours to unload patients at emergency rooms. Texas has sought healthcare reinforcements from outside the state. And in Galveston, beaches have been shut. Despite the surge, the state's authorities have denied they were careless with the guidelines pertaining to reopening.
War of words
Fauci said some states reopened fast, Texas' Lt. Governor fumed
Meanwhile, on Tuesday, Texas Lt. Governor Dan Patrick claimed Fauci doesn't know "what he was talking about." His comments came after the leading expert said during a Senate hearing that some states reopened quickly and skipped the guidelines. "We haven't skipped over anything. The only thing I'm skipping over is listening to him," Patrick said, adding that Fauci was wrong on many issues.
Dr. Fauci's words
Dr. Fauci said concentrating only on hotspots isn't ideal
On his part, Dr. Fauci is clearly worried. He told Senator Elizabeth Warren that during an outbreak, even states that are doing well, as far as numbers are concerned, are vulnerable. "We can't just focus on those areas that are having the surge. It puts the entire country at risk," he said. He also asked the federal government to produce face masks for distribution.
Trump's statement
Shockingly, Trump still believes "virus will go away"
Experts have been pressurizing the government to pass an order regarding masks, but Trump hasn't. In fact, he is rarely seen wearing one. Moreover, despite the surge in cases, Trump displayed an ignorant attitude by saying on Wednesday that he still believes the virus will go away. "I think that at some point that's going to sort of just disappear. I hope," he said.