With 52,788 coronavirus cases reported, U.S. sets new daily record

People wear face masks while shopping in Los Angeles.
(Image credit: Frederic J. Brown/AFP via Getty Images)

For the first time, daily reported coronavirus infections in the United States surpassed 50,000, with 52,788 new cases recorded on Wednesday.

Arizona, California, Georgia, North Carolina, and Texas all set new state highs, with California reporting 9,740 coronavirus cases. To try to stem the spread, California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) ordered 19 counties to shut down indoor dining and close entertainment centers, movie theaters, wineries, museums, and zoos. In Pennsylvania, all residents were told to wear face masks while in public or in places where it is impossible to stay six feet away from others.

A Washington Post analysis found that in 45 states, seven-day averages of new infections are higher now than they were a week ago. In June, coronavirus cases rose by almost 50 percent, with states that reopened their economies first, like Texas and Arizona, seeing the biggest spikes. There was also an uptick in cases linked to gatherings held over Memorial Day weekend, and health officials fear there will be a similar surge after the 4th of July weekend.

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At least 2.67 million coronavirus cases have been reported in the United States, with more than 125,000 people dying.

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Catherine Garcia

Catherine Garcia is night editor for TheWeek.com. Her writing and reporting has appeared in Entertainment Weekly and EW.com, The New York Times, The Book of Jezebel, and other publications. A Southern California native, Catherine is a graduate of the University of Redlands and the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism.