Most Americans would like to have the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus in the rear-view mirror or the history books. They have endured months of lockdown and are ready to get on with their lives. Unfortunately, the virus is not cooperating. COVID-19 cases are surging in many parts of the United States. Worldwide, there have been almost 10 million cases of the infection; more than 20 percent of them have occurred in the US.
Where Are COVID-19 Cases Increasing?
A number of states are relaxing restrictions, and some are now reporting serious spikes of new cases. Arizona, California and Texas are all breaking previous daily records. California and Texas have both had more than 5,000 cases in a day. In fact, Texas has taken the politically unpopular move of pausing its reopening plans until it can slow the increase of COVID-19 cases. Moreover, Texas is not alone in this.
In addition, a number of other states have registered an alarming rise in COVID-19 cases. Arkansas, Missouri, Nevada, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee are also experiencing new highs. In Florida there was been a worrisome increase in cases among younger people. Nationwide, the number of new cases jumped by 25% last week.
Some of the increase may be due to asymptomatic but infected individuals unknowingly spreading the virus among friends and family. That is why it is important for all of us to continue to practice appropriate physical distance, keep social interactions outside as much as possible and wear face masks whenever we will be around anyone who doesn’t live with us. Universal mask or face shield wearing is not perfect, but it is the closest thing o herd immunity we have now or will likely have for quite a while to come.
