States and cities issue new COVID-19 guidelines as cases spike
A dramatic rise in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations across the U.S. is sending cities and states back into lockdown.
As Chicago logs around 1,900 new coronavirus cases every day, Mayor Lori Lightfoot on Thursday announced another round of protective measures meant to curb the spread. Lightfoot asked residents only to leave the house for work, school, and essential needs, and to avoid even gathering with trusted friends outside of one's household. Illinois as a whole is also asking residents to stay home except for essential activities.
New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) enacted similar measures Wednesday, though he outright barred gatherings of 10 or more people at private residences. Bars, restaurants, and gyms will also have to close at 10 p.m., while schools in New York City are reportedly on the verge of shutting down even as those businesses remain open.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
States run by Republican governors are also taking measures to slow the spread that's particularly spiking across the Midwest. Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb (R) backtracked from the state's Stage 5 reopening phase to limit social gatherings and school events, and distributed funds to local officials to help them crack down on mask and social distancing requirements. Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine (R) updated his mask mandate to hold businesses responsible if they allow employees or customers not to wear masks. He is threatening further shutdowns if things don't improve.
The U.S. reported a record 145,835 new COVID-19 cases Wednesday, as well as a record 64,000 coronavirus hospitalizations. Public health experts nationwide are advising against gathering with family during the upcoming holiday season.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Kathryn is a graduate of Syracuse University, with degrees in magazine journalism and information technology, along with hours to earn another degree after working at SU's independent paper The Daily Orange. She's currently recovering from a horse addiction while living in New York City, and likes to share her extremely dry sense of humor on Twitter.
-
'The disconnect between actual health care and the insurance model is widening'
Instant Opinion Opinion, comment and editorials of the day
By Anya Jaremko-Greenwold, The Week US Published
-
Cautious optimism surrounds plans for the world's first nuclear fusion power plant
Talking Point Some in the industry feel that the plant will face many challenges
By Justin Klawans, The Week US Published
-
Explore new worlds this winter at these 6 enlightening museum exhibitions
The Week Recommends Discover the estrados of Spain and the connection between art and chess in various African countries
By Catherine Garcia, The Week US Published
-
California declares bird flu emergency
Speed Read The emergency came hours after the nation's first person with severe bird flu infection was hospitalized
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
Bird flu one mutuation from human threat, study finds
Speed Read A Scripps Research Institute study found one genetic tweak of the virus could enable its spread among people
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Dark chocolate tied to lower diabetes risk
Speed Read The findings were based on the diets of about 192,000 US adults over 34 years
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
ACA opens 2025 enrollment, enters 2024 race
Speed Read Mike Johnson promises big changes to the Affordable Care Act if Trump wins the election
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
McDonald's sued over E. coli linked to burger
Speed Read The outbreak has sickened at least 49 people in 10 states and left one dead
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
Texas dairy worker gets bird flu from infected cow
Speed Read The virus has been spreading among cattle in Texas, Kansas, Michigan and New Mexico
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Dengue hits the Americas hard and early
Speed Read Puerto Rico has declared an epidemic as dengue cases surge
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
US bans final type of asbestos
Speed Read Exposure to asbestos causes about 40,000 deaths in the U.S. each year
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published