WASHINGTON (NewsNation Now) — A global milestone was reached on Sunday with Johns Hopkins University announcing that we have officially seen more than 50 million COVID cases worldwide. Our nationwide numbers continue to grow at home with several regions of the U.S. implementing new measures to mitigate the spread.
Worldwide cases are on the rise in France, India, Italy, Poland and the United States. As of Monday in America, COVID cases have topped 10 million — total deaths are about 238,000. This week, hot spot states include Illinois, Florida, Minnesota, Texas and Indiana with a host of others implementing new restrictions.
A stay-at-home advisory now in effect for Rhode Islanders who now have to be home by 10 p.m. as announced by Gov. Gina Raimondo.
“If you’re at a restaurant or a bar at that time, and it’s time to leave, I’m asking you to go home,” said Raimondo. The advised curfew largely impacting bars and restaurants.
On Sunday evening, Utah’s governor issued a new state of emergency complete with a mask mandate and social gathering restrictions. Doctors called it a great first step; however, infectious disease expert Dr. Edward Stenehjem warned that more action could need to be taken.
“If we aren’t seeing the improvement that we need to see to really decrease the burden on our health care networks, we take it another step further,” said Stenehjem.
In Texas, a two-week shutdown and mask mandate in El Paso remains in place while the city battles almost 27,000 active cases. This weekend, a tenth mobile morgue was brought in to contain those who have passed. For thousands like Vickie Brown who lost her husband, these numbers are personal.
“Yesterday when he called me, he said it a little different. He said, ‘I’m NOT going to make it,’” said Brown.
And families from coast to coast are making the emotional decision to cancel holiday traditions with loved ones, as health officials warn of the risks of crowding together.
“We’ll probably Zoom at some point, touch base, keep the relationship going, keep the tradition going somewhat, but do it virtually,” said one North Carolina woman.