California is struggling with a record number of coronavirus cases, putting pressure on hospital resources, even as the distribution of a COVID-19 vaccine offers hope for a breakthrough in the fight against the disease.
The nation’s most populous state is pulling out all the stops to try to contain the outbreak amid a wave heading into the colder months, which experts say will be one of the worst phases of the pandemic as more people are indoors getting together.
California registered 53,326 new cases on Friday, surpassing Wednesday’s previous one-day record by about 1,000. The number of cases has risen nearly 19 percent in the past seven days, and about 1.8 million Californians have been infected with the virus.
The four deadliest days of the California pandemic all occurred in the past week, according to a database kept by the Los Angeles Times, with more than 22,100 COVID-19 deaths in the state.
No state has had as many cases as California, and only Texas and New York have had more fatalities.
The outbreak has stretched California’s services to their limits, with about 17,000 people hospitalized with the virus and more than 3,500 people in intensive care units (ICU) across the state. The availability of ICUs dropped to zero percent in Southern California this week.
“This is a deadly disease, a deadly pandemic, and we are in the thick of it right now,” said California Gov. Gavin Newsom
Gavin NewsomFEMA Reimburses California Hotels Used to Protect Vulnerable Populations During Pandemic ICU Availability Reaches 0 Percent in Southern California Amid Coronavirus Rise Judge Rules Strip Clubs Exempt from California Restrictions MORE (D) said this week. “We are nearing the end, but we are in the middle of the most acute peak as it relates to what we call the third wave.”
The Golden State was forced this week to activate its “mass lethality” program, which will serve as an “essential resource for the affected local sheriff coroner, coroner or medical examiner if mutual assistance is sought.” California has also ordered 5,000 body bags and 60 refrigeration units and is opening temporary field hospitals to help accommodate patients who overflow.
Some parts of California are “just about to be inundated”, Anthony Fauci
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Public health officials have pressured Californians and people across the country to continue to follow guidelines such as wearing masks and practicing social distance even as pandemic fatigue continues to stir the country and many Americans prepare to spend Christmas with others. to celebrate.
Officials have also expressed concern that the promise of a vaccine could cause more lax behavior. A vaccine from Pfizer and BioNTech began to be delivered across the country this week, while the Food and Drug Administration also issued an emergency permit Friday for a second vaccine from Moderna.
The spike in business in California and elsewhere coincides with an ongoing debate on Capitol Hill about a new stimulus package. Democratic and Republican leaders are struggling to put together a package, although they are expected to finally reach an agreement within days.