US Hits 11 Million COVID-19 Cases as States Enact More Restrictions

More than 11 million COVID-19 cases have now been reported in the United States, and many states across the country have enacted restrictions to slow the spread.

Data from the Johns Hopkins University showed that around 11,025,046 coronavirus cases were recorded in the U.S. as of Sunday.

According to Associated Press, the last one million coronavirus cases were reported in less than a week, with the 10 million mark met last Nov. 9.

It was the fastest progression of the coronavirus in the country since the pandemic began, and even with tighter restrictions, more states still see record-high numbers. Some say restrictions won't be enough, as changing behaviors is more important than shutting down, reported CNN.

At least 45 states reported an increase in infections over the past week. Overall, there were more than 246,000 people in the death toll-including the 1,266 reported on Saturday alone.

Reuters said in their analysis that the pandemic's pace has quickened in the country, going faster from its eight million to nine million marks only in 16 days.

The highest numbers came from Texas and California, together making up about 2.1 million COVID-19 cases or about 19 percent of the total cases since the pandemic began.

Being with Smarter Coronavirus

Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti said if everyone took precautions, the results of changing behavior might be more effective than a lockdown.

"The good thing about where we are now is we're smarter than we were in March," he said, noting that people understand now that even a lockdown won't be the best way to manage the pandemic.

"It's not about whether a store is open or not. It's about your and my behavior," Garcetti said.

He advised people who don't like shutdowns to cancel their vacation plans for the holidays and do not go to other households to celebrate Thanksgiving.

Other states and cities have also imposed new rules in an attempt to curb the virus.Washington State announced restrictions in social gatherings, businesses, and religious services.

Utah and Ohio enacted mask mandates statewide and for business. New Mexico banned in-person nonessential businesses. Maryland, New York, and Oregon imposed new rules for indoor dining services.

Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute for Allergy and Infectious Diseases, said a national lockdown is unlikely, but local ones are to be expected.

Transitioning for Pandemic Handling

After major media networks called for Democrat Joe Biden's win in the 2020 election, some top disease experts found a delayed handoff problematic during the public health crisis, said another AP News report.

President Donald Trump still refused to acknowledge projections of election results, challenging it through legal action, as Biden's scientific advisers meet with vaccine makers.

"Of course it would be better if we could start working with them," said Fauci who has seen multiple presidential transitions.

He noted that the process is like passing a baton in a relay race.

"You don't want to stop and then give it to somebody," he said.

Biden's chief of staff Ron Klain said they will start holding consultations this week with companies like Pfizer and other pharmaceutical companies.