The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infections in the United States have reached 300,000 during the first six days of July. More states are now beginning to shut down businesses and mandate the use of face masks.  

COVID-19 Patient
(Photo : Reutersconnect)

The state reopenings and Independence Day celebrations have contributed to the increasing number of COVID-19 infections in the country. As of yesterday, nearly 300,000 infections were recorded, according to a published report by The Washington Post.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has set a five percent maximum cap for safe reopening. This means that if people tested positive for the virus through COVID-19 testing in a particular state is above five percent, the state should not reopen its economic activity. 

However, it is not what is happening in the country. An example of this is in Florida, where they have recorded over 11,000 infections in just a single day. Despite this, Governor Ron DeSantis does not have a plan to shut down businesses or mandate people to wear facemasks, according to an article published by Latin Post.

Meanwhile, health officials in the country warned that the virus is spreading at a very fast rate. The warning was made after Independence Day that attracted large crowds to witness firework displays. Some of them were also seen drinking and partying without observing safe and health guidelines.

Dr. Anthony Fauci, the country's leading infectious disease expert, said that the country is still in the first wave. However, Fauci also admitted that while Europe managed to drop COVID-19 infections, U.S. communities are struggling to drop infections.

Moreover, Arizona and Nevada have reported their highest COVID-19 related hospitalizations in recent days. Additionally, the first seven days of July have hit new highs in 12 states. The highest number of infections are in West Virginia, Tennessee, and Montana. 

Arizona Department of Health announced on Monday morning that beds in the state's Internal Care Unit Hospitals were at full capacity. The state has already recorded over 100,000 infections. 

Authorities in Miami-Dade County reversed their plan to reopen businesses. The county issued an emergency order to shutdown gyms, party venues, and restaurants. However, takeout and delivery are exempted.The emergency order took effect on Wednesday.

Miami-Dade Mayor Carlos Gimenez said that the emergency order was made to ensure that the hospitals in the county continue to have enough staff. He also added that most of the infected persons age between 18 to 34 years old. 

They also found out that these infected persons are those who gather in crowded places without wearing masks and observing social-distancing. 

Doctors told the county mayor that the increase of COVID-19 infections in Miami-Dade is due to graduation parties, gatherings at restaurants, street protests, not wearing facemasks, and for not observing social-distancing.  

More politicians tested positive for the virus as well. Some of the are State House of Representatives, Governor Tate Reeves, Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms, and several lawmakers. 

At this time, the number of COVID-19 infections in the country has reached over 2.9 million and claimed the lives of over 127,000. 

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