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Hospitals approach crisis as US coronavirus cases soar to new records – live Hospitals approach crisis as US coronavirus cases soar to new records – live
(32 minutes later)
Florida sets record of 11,000 daily cases, while Texas also records 10,000 infections in a day, leaving some facilities short of ICU bedsFlorida sets record of 11,000 daily cases, while Texas also records 10,000 infections in a day, leaving some facilities short of ICU beds
Infections in Texas rose by 10,351 on Saturday to 250,462 in total, the highest single-day increase in the state since the pandemic started.
Current hospitalizations in the state rose by 81 to a record high of 10,083 on Saturday, the state’s health department said.
The New York Times reported earlier that in the popular beachfront vacation spot of Corpus Christi hardly any new infections were recorded in early June, before out-of-towners brought the virus back.
Now the city of 325,000 has one of the fastest-growing outbreaks in Texas.
The spike in coronavirus cases in the Las Vegas area contributed to the National Hockey League choosing two Canadian cities to complete its season, Reuters reports.
NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly on Saturday called the rise a “concern” to the league. He adds that it was “one of the reasons” they chose to put games in Toronto and Edmonton instead of Vegas, which had long been considered a front-runner.
Each city will host 12 teams, sequestering players in so-called bubbles that encompass arenas, hotels and select restaurants. Fans will not attend the games.
Alberta premier Jason Kenney said hosting games could generate C$60 million ($44.16 million) in economic activity.
“That alone is not going to turn around our economy, but it’s a great shot in the arm,” he said.
Alberta’s unemployment rate was the second-highest in Canada in June as a crash in oil prices this spring forced energy companies to lay off workers and some businesses remained closed due to the pandemic.
The province’s chief medical officer has reassured the public that arriving hockey players will not accelerate the spread of the virus if they abide by certain conditions, which include daily testing and restricted movement.
An Arizona woman has laid the blame for her father’s death from coronavirus at the feet of the state’s Republican governor, Doug Ducey, in a searing obituary published this week in the Arizona Republic.An Arizona woman has laid the blame for her father’s death from coronavirus at the feet of the state’s Republican governor, Doug Ducey, in a searing obituary published this week in the Arizona Republic.
Mark Urquiza, a Mexican-American manufacturing worker from Phoenix, died on 30 June after a three-week battle with Covid-19 – and his daughter, Kristin, minced no words in her remembrance.Mark Urquiza, a Mexican-American manufacturing worker from Phoenix, died on 30 June after a three-week battle with Covid-19 – and his daughter, Kristin, minced no words in her remembrance.
“His death is due to the carelessness of the politicians who continue to jeopardize the health of brown bodies through a clear lack of leadership, refusal to acknowledge the severity of this crisis, and inability and unwillingness to give clear and decisive direction on how to minimize risk,” she wrote.“His death is due to the carelessness of the politicians who continue to jeopardize the health of brown bodies through a clear lack of leadership, refusal to acknowledge the severity of this crisis, and inability and unwillingness to give clear and decisive direction on how to minimize risk,” she wrote.
Hospital caseloads have surged since Arizona became one of the hotspots for the coronavirus after Ducey relaxed stay-home orders and other restrictions in May.Hospital caseloads have surged since Arizona became one of the hotspots for the coronavirus after Ducey relaxed stay-home orders and other restrictions in May.
Arizona’s health officials reported an additional 69 deaths from the coronavirus outbreak on Saturday, brining the overall number of confirmed dead to more than 2,150.Arizona’s health officials reported an additional 69 deaths from the coronavirus outbreak on Saturday, brining the overall number of confirmed dead to more than 2,150.
The state added 3,038 confirmed cases in the last day, raising the overall count to 119,930. Arizona also set a record with 3,485 patients hospitalized for Covid-19 as of Friday.The state added 3,038 confirmed cases in the last day, raising the overall count to 119,930. Arizona also set a record with 3,485 patients hospitalized for Covid-19 as of Friday.
Fox News has addressed the resignation of one of Tucker Carlson’s top writers, who was revealed to have been posting racist and sexist comments online under a pseudonym.Fox News has addressed the resignation of one of Tucker Carlson’s top writers, who was revealed to have been posting racist and sexist comments online under a pseudonym.
A CNN investigation discovered Blake Neff regularly posted offensive language under the name “CharlesXII” on an online forum called AutoAdmit.A CNN investigation discovered Blake Neff regularly posted offensive language under the name “CharlesXII” on an online forum called AutoAdmit.
Fox News CEO Suzanne Scott and president Jay Wallace decried Neff’s “abhorrent conduct” in an internal memo sent to all employees on Saturday:Fox News CEO Suzanne Scott and president Jay Wallace decried Neff’s “abhorrent conduct” in an internal memo sent to all employees on Saturday:
Carlson has called Neff a “wonderful writer” and in an interview with Dartmouth’s alumni magazine, Neff said: “Anything [Carlson is] reading off the teleprompter, the first draft was written by me.”Carlson has called Neff a “wonderful writer” and in an interview with Dartmouth’s alumni magazine, Neff said: “Anything [Carlson is] reading off the teleprompter, the first draft was written by me.”
Donald Trump returned to the White House from today’s golf course visit at 2.52pm and is due to depart for Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda at 5 today.Donald Trump returned to the White House from today’s golf course visit at 2.52pm and is due to depart for Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda at 5 today.
The otherwise routine photo opportunity is noteworthy because it’s expected to the first time the US president is officially seen wearing a face mask in public.The otherwise routine photo opportunity is noteworthy because it’s expected to the first time the US president is officially seen wearing a face mask in public.
“I’m going to Walter Reed to see some of our great soldiers who have been injured. Badly injured. And also see some of our Covid workers, people who have done such a great job,” Trump said on Friday. “And I expect to be wearing a mask when I go into Walter Reed. You’re in a hospital so I think it’s a very appropriate thing.”“I’m going to Walter Reed to see some of our great soldiers who have been injured. Badly injured. And also see some of our Covid workers, people who have done such a great job,” Trump said on Friday. “And I expect to be wearing a mask when I go into Walter Reed. You’re in a hospital so I think it’s a very appropriate thing.”
The only other time Trump was spotted wearing a mask was behind the scenes during a May tour of the Ford Rawsonville Components Plant in Ypsilanti, Michigan.The only other time Trump was spotted wearing a mask was behind the scenes during a May tour of the Ford Rawsonville Components Plant in Ypsilanti, Michigan.
For months Trump has resisted wearing a protective face covering in an effort to project an image of strength and virility, though in recent weeks he’s expressed a more favorable view of what’s been stressed by public health experts as a critical preventative measure in the fight to contain the coronavirus pandemic.For months Trump has resisted wearing a protective face covering in an effort to project an image of strength and virility, though in recent weeks he’s expressed a more favorable view of what’s been stressed by public health experts as a critical preventative measure in the fight to contain the coronavirus pandemic.
“I’m all for masks,” Trump told Fox Business Network earlier this month. “If I were in a tight situation with people I would absolutely” wear a mask, he added.“I’m all for masks,” Trump told Fox Business Network earlier this month. “If I were in a tight situation with people I would absolutely” wear a mask, he added.
The governor of Florida, Ron DeSantis, has said during a press conference on the Covid-19 crisis that 427 additional cases of the drug Remdesivir had been delivered to Florida’s hospitals.The governor of Florida, Ron DeSantis, has said during a press conference on the Covid-19 crisis that 427 additional cases of the drug Remdesivir had been delivered to Florida’s hospitals.
He said the drug was unlikely to make a difference for severely ill patients, but was likely to help many patients “as they come in” while only mildly ill with Covid-19.He said the drug was unlikely to make a difference for severely ill patients, but was likely to help many patients “as they come in” while only mildly ill with Covid-19.
The rate of coronavirus infections among care staff in the state stood at 2.4% after 70,000 tests, DeSantis said, a number he described as “very, very low”.The rate of coronavirus infections among care staff in the state stood at 2.4% after 70,000 tests, DeSantis said, a number he described as “very, very low”.
The governor added that 12 “Covid-only” nursing home facilities had been created across Florida, and that the state was working on expanding the number of beds in these units from 750.The governor added that 12 “Covid-only” nursing home facilities had been created across Florida, and that the state was working on expanding the number of beds in these units from 750.
DeSantis advised “vulnerable” people in high-risk groups to continue to avoid contact with others, and warned that socializing indoors with other households would increase transmission.DeSantis advised “vulnerable” people in high-risk groups to continue to avoid contact with others, and warned that socializing indoors with other households would increase transmission.
DeSantis emphasised the need for children to attend school again, and said online tuition could not be a substitute for in-person attendance, adding that he believes the negative impact of non-attendance outweighs the risk of transmission among pupils.DeSantis emphasised the need for children to attend school again, and said online tuition could not be a substitute for in-person attendance, adding that he believes the negative impact of non-attendance outweighs the risk of transmission among pupils.
A commission at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill has voted in favor of a recommendation to rename four campus buildings that currently have ties to slaveholders or white supremacists.A commission at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill has voted in favor of a recommendation to rename four campus buildings that currently have ties to slaveholders or white supremacists.
According to the Associated Press:According to the Associated Press:
Donald Trump’s presidential motorcade departed Trump National Golf Club at 2.10pm, according to a pool report. The White House has yet to provide any information on the president’s activities, but NBC News cameras captured the president on the course.Donald Trump’s presidential motorcade departed Trump National Golf Club at 2.10pm, according to a pool report. The White House has yet to provide any information on the president’s activities, but NBC News cameras captured the president on the course.
Today’s pool reporter notes a mix of about 20 supporters and protesters gathered outside the entrance to the golf club to greet the motorcade:Today’s pool reporter notes a mix of about 20 supporters and protesters gathered outside the entrance to the golf club to greet the motorcade:
Today’s trip marked Trump’s 260th visit to a golf course since taking office, according to the website trumpgolfcount.com.Today’s trip marked Trump’s 260th visit to a golf course since taking office, according to the website trumpgolfcount.com.
US politics-related news has been dominated so far today by the coronavirus surge continuing and worsening in southern and western hotspots, with another record of daily new cases set yesterday in the US.US politics-related news has been dominated so far today by the coronavirus surge continuing and worsening in southern and western hotspots, with another record of daily new cases set yesterday in the US.
There will be much more news as the day continues. Donald Trump has postponed the rally he was going to hold tonight in New Hampshire.There will be much more news as the day continues. Donald Trump has postponed the rally he was going to hold tonight in New Hampshire.
But once he gets off the golf course, he is later going to the Walter Read military hospital, which is not very far from the White House, to visit health workers and veterans.But once he gets off the golf course, he is later going to the Walter Read military hospital, which is not very far from the White House, to visit health workers and veterans.
So far today:So far today:
Coronavirus cases and now deaths are rising in Florida, where the president visited yesterday and went to several locations but barely spoke about the public health crisis.Coronavirus cases and now deaths are rising in Florida, where the president visited yesterday and went to several locations but barely spoke about the public health crisis.
Arizona’s stock of adult intensive care unit beds across the state are now 90% occupied, up from 89% the day before, as hospitals fill.Arizona’s stock of adult intensive care unit beds across the state are now 90% occupied, up from 89% the day before, as hospitals fill.
After falling consistently in recent weeks, deaths from coronavirus in the US are starting to rise again.After falling consistently in recent weeks, deaths from coronavirus in the US are starting to rise again.
Donald Trump went to his golf course in Virginia, where he was greeted outside by some supporters and some protesters.Donald Trump went to his golf course in Virginia, where he was greeted outside by some supporters and some protesters.
There has been some pointed outrage against Donald Trump’s announcement last night that he’s commuting the upcoming jail term of Republican operative Roger Stone. Senior Democrats raged, one senior Republican joined in.There has been some pointed outrage against Donald Trump’s announcement last night that he’s commuting the upcoming jail term of Republican operative Roger Stone. Senior Democrats raged, one senior Republican joined in.
One of Fox News star Tucker Carlson’s leading writers, Blake Neff, has resigned after prejudiced writings of his emerged into the sunlight.One of Fox News star Tucker Carlson’s leading writers, Blake Neff, has resigned after prejudiced writings of his emerged into the sunlight.
Florida has set a one-week record of nearly 500 confirmed coronavirus deaths.Florida has set a one-week record of nearly 500 confirmed coronavirus deaths.
The state health department reported 96 new deaths today, bringing the total for the week to 496 or an average of nearly 71 per day.The state health department reported 96 new deaths today, bringing the total for the week to 496 or an average of nearly 71 per day.
A record 120 deaths were reported on Thursday, The Associated Press reports. Three weeks ago, Florida’s weekly average for deaths stood at 30 per day.A record 120 deaths were reported on Thursday, The Associated Press reports. Three weeks ago, Florida’s weekly average for deaths stood at 30 per day.
The state on Saturday confirmed 9,960 new coronavirus cases and 421 addition hospitalizations. Since March 1, when the first Florida infections were recorded, the state has reported 254,511 confirmed cases and 4,301 deaths.The state on Saturday confirmed 9,960 new coronavirus cases and 421 addition hospitalizations. Since March 1, when the first Florida infections were recorded, the state has reported 254,511 confirmed cases and 4,301 deaths.
The previous weekly record average of 60 deaths per day was set May 8. Throughout May and into June, the state reopened much of its economy with some restrictions.The previous weekly record average of 60 deaths per day was set May 8. Throughout May and into June, the state reopened much of its economy with some restrictions.
Testing has increased, but the percentage of people testing positive has risen. A month ago, fewer than 5% of tests came up positive on a daily average. Over the past week, the daily average exceeded 19%.Testing has increased, but the percentage of people testing positive has risen. A month ago, fewer than 5% of tests came up positive on a daily average. Over the past week, the daily average exceeded 19%.
Rapid case increases and hospitalizations have made Arizona one of the worst hot spots in the nation for Covid-19.Rapid case increases and hospitalizations have made Arizona one of the worst hot spots in the nation for Covid-19.
The disease is widespread in the state, and health officials caution people to stay home unless necessary to leave - and to wear masks in public, the Arizona Republic newspaper reported today.The disease is widespread in the state, and health officials caution people to stay home unless necessary to leave - and to wear masks in public, the Arizona Republic newspaper reported today.
Arizona adult intensive care unit beds in use by all patients rose to 90% yesterday compared with 89% the previous day, the state health department reported today, via Reuters.Arizona adult intensive care unit beds in use by all patients rose to 90% yesterday compared with 89% the previous day, the state health department reported today, via Reuters.
During the past three weeks, the number of coronavirus cases iin Arizona jumped by 150% and tests increased by just 71%, the Republic reported, adding:During the past three weeks, the number of coronavirus cases iin Arizona jumped by 150% and tests increased by just 71%, the Republic reported, adding:
A long-expected upturn in US coronavirus deaths has begun, driven by fatalities in states in the south and west, where cases have been surging calamitously, according to data on the pandemic.A long-expected upturn in US coronavirus deaths has begun, driven by fatalities in states in the south and west, where cases have been surging calamitously, according to data on the pandemic.
The number of deaths per day from the virus had been falling in May and June and even remained down as states like Florida and Texas saw explosions in cases and hospitalizations and reported daily US infections broke records several times in recent days, the Associated Press reports.The number of deaths per day from the virus had been falling in May and June and even remained down as states like Florida and Texas saw explosions in cases and hospitalizations and reported daily US infections broke records several times in recent days, the Associated Press reports.
Scientists warned it wouldn’t last. A coronavirus death, when it occurs, typically comes several weeks after a person is first infected. And experts predicted states that saw increases in cases and hospitalizations would, at some point, see deaths rise too.Scientists warned it wouldn’t last. A coronavirus death, when it occurs, typically comes several weeks after a person is first infected. And experts predicted states that saw increases in cases and hospitalizations would, at some point, see deaths rise too.
Now that’s happening. “It’s consistently picking up. And it’s picking up at the time you’d expect it to,” said William Hanage, a Harvard University infectious diseases researcher.Now that’s happening. “It’s consistently picking up. And it’s picking up at the time you’d expect it to,” said William Hanage, a Harvard University infectious diseases researcher.
According to an Associated Press analysis of data from Johns Hopkins University, the seven-day rolling average for daily reported deaths in the US has increased from 578 two weeks ago to 664 on July 10, though still well below the heights hit in April.According to an Associated Press analysis of data from Johns Hopkins University, the seven-day rolling average for daily reported deaths in the US has increased from 578 two weeks ago to 664 on July 10, though still well below the heights hit in April.
Daily reported deaths increased in 27 states over that time period, but the majority of those states are averaging under 15 new deaths per day. A smaller group of states has been driving the nationwide increase in deaths.Daily reported deaths increased in 27 states over that time period, but the majority of those states are averaging under 15 new deaths per day. A smaller group of states has been driving the nationwide increase in deaths.
California is averaging 91 reported deaths per day while Texas is close behind with 66, but Florida, Arizona, Illinois, New Jersey and South Carolina also saw sizable rises.California is averaging 91 reported deaths per day while Texas is close behind with 66, but Florida, Arizona, Illinois, New Jersey and South Carolina also saw sizable rises.
New Jersey’s recent jump is thought to be partially attributable to its less frequent reporting of probable deaths.New Jersey’s recent jump is thought to be partially attributable to its less frequent reporting of probable deaths.
The impact has already been felt by families who lost kin and by the health care workers who tried to save them.The impact has already been felt by families who lost kin and by the health care workers who tried to save them.
Rublas Ruiz, a Miami intensive care unit nurse, recently broke down in tears during a birthday dinner with his wife and daughter. He said he was overcome by the number of patients who have died in his care.Rublas Ruiz, a Miami intensive care unit nurse, recently broke down in tears during a birthday dinner with his wife and daughter. He said he was overcome by the number of patients who have died in his care.
“I counted like 10 patients in less than four days in our ICU and then I stopped doing that because there were so many,” said the 41-year-old nurse at Kendall Regional Medical Center who lost another patient Monday.“I counted like 10 patients in less than four days in our ICU and then I stopped doing that because there were so many,” said the 41-year-old nurse at Kendall Regional Medical Center who lost another patient Monday.
The virus has killed more than 134,000 people in the US and more than a half-million worldwide, according to Johns Hopkins University, one of the most reliable trackers of the pandemic, though the true numbers are believed to be higher because a lack of official reporting of deaths or misclassification of cause of death by authorities.The virus has killed more than 134,000 people in the US and more than a half-million worldwide, according to Johns Hopkins University, one of the most reliable trackers of the pandemic, though the true numbers are believed to be higher because a lack of official reporting of deaths or misclassification of cause of death by authorities.
The Associated Press reports that beekeepers have been declared essential workers in Washington DC during the pandemic. Here’s more on the subject from the AP:The Associated Press reports that beekeepers have been declared essential workers in Washington DC during the pandemic. Here’s more on the subject from the AP:
The coronavirus outbreak coincided with the start of warmer weather, when bees naturally begin separating from their hives. When district officials began looking at the possibility of shutting down the city due to the outbreak, Toni Burnham of the DC Beekeepers Alliance reached out to her contact at the DC Department of Energy & Environment.The coronavirus outbreak coincided with the start of warmer weather, when bees naturally begin separating from their hives. When district officials began looking at the possibility of shutting down the city due to the outbreak, Toni Burnham of the DC Beekeepers Alliance reached out to her contact at the DC Department of Energy & Environment.
“When I saw the lockdown happening and really scary quarantining things, I called up our regulators and said essentially, ‘If we’re going to catch swarms we need to not be arrested.’ They took care of it, she said.“When I saw the lockdown happening and really scary quarantining things, I called up our regulators and said essentially, ‘If we’re going to catch swarms we need to not be arrested.’ They took care of it, she said.
“Beekeepers needed to be essential because often the hives that they keep are not on their property,” says Tommy Wells, the department’s director and a former member of the City Council. “So, they need to be able to travel and get to their bee colonies.”“Beekeepers needed to be essential because often the hives that they keep are not on their property,” says Tommy Wells, the department’s director and a former member of the City Council. “So, they need to be able to travel and get to their bee colonies.”