The United States and South Africa have reported record daily coronavirus cases, with US figures surpassing 50,000 a day for the first time.
The United States and South Africa have reported record daily coronavirus cases, with US figures surpassing 50,000 a day for the first time.
The US has recorded 50,700 new cases, according to a tally kept by Johns Hopkins University, as many states struggle to contain the spread of the pandemic, blamed in part on Americans not wearing masks or following social distancing rules.
Surging numbers in California have prompted governor Gavin Newsom to announce just ahead of the Fourth of July weekend that he is closing bars, cinemas and indoor restaurant dining over most of the state.
“The bottom line is the spread of this virus continues at a rate that is particularly concerning,” Mr Newsom said.
Confirmed cases in California have increased by nearly 50% over the past two weeks, and Covid-19 hospital admissions have gone up by 43%. Mr Newsom said California had nearly 5,900 new cases and 110 more deaths in just 24 hours.
Cases have been surging in many other states including Florida, Arizona and Texas.
