Governors in Florida and Texas are reversing course and tightening restrictions.
The number of new confirmed coronavirus cases in the United States surged to an all-time high with 45,300 new cases reported on Friday, according to a tally by Johns Hopkins University. That’s up from 40,000 new cases reported a day earlier.
The spike comes more than three months since the first wave mostly struck cities in the country’s north and east – and then declined.
Thirty-one states have reported jumps in cases compared to two weeks ago, Michael George reports for “CBS This Morning: Saturday.” Big increases in COVID-19 cases are now being reported across the Sun Belt.
In Texas and Florida, two of the nation’s largest states, governors are reversing course and tightening restrictions after coronavirus numbers jumped following their reopenings. Texas reported that more than 5,100 coronavirus patients are currently hospitalized – a record high for the 15th consecutive day.
Hospitals in the Texas Medical Center, located in Harris County in the heart of Houston, are now reporting intensive care units 100% full.
The county is reimposing stay-at-home orders.
“Our situation is far worse today than when we issued the first stay-home order in Harris County, and when the state issued their first stay-home order,” said Harris County judge Lina Hidalgo. “This is unacceptable.”
Republican Governor Greg Abbott limited restaurant capacity on Friday to 50% – down from 75% – and said outdoor gatherings with over 100 people need to be approved by local officials. He also ordered bars across the state to close, again.
