COVID-19 Becomes Main Killer In US As Hospitals Fill Up: “It’s A Giant Ball Of Anxiety”

the coronavirus overtook heart disease as leading cause of death in the United States this week, as many hospitals across the country are overwhelmed and officials implement new COVID-19 restrictions.

A record 227,000 new cases were reported in the United States on Friday alone – the first time the daily number of cases has exceeded 220,000, according to a count from Johns Hopkins University.

On average, 2,000 people have died from the disease each day since last Saturday. The total death toll in the United States is over a quarter of a million, and White House projections show it could reach half a million by March, CBS News’s Michael George reports.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released their loudest call for masks again on Friday, urging Americans to wear masks indoors when not at home, in a bid to control the spread of the virus.

This week, 11 states broke records for new cases reported in a single day. Across the country 100,000 people are hospitalized and fewer beds are available every day.

“It’s a giant anxiety ball trying to figure out where the next patient is going,” said Donovan Boetcher, Wisconsin respiratory therapist.

Nurse in charge Mavic Tjardes, who works with Boetcher at UW’s University Health Hospital, called the situation “difficult”.

“Nurses are the first person our patients see, and nurses are the last person they will see on their last breath,” she says.

The pressure on healthcare workers is compounded by people not doing their part.

“I feel like on social media there’s a lot of talk about health heroes and stuff,” Boetcher said. “Well, if you really want to respect the people in the health care industry or anyone who has to work now, stay home. Wear a mask.”

Their calls do not reach everyone. A young Republicans gala in New Jersey drew 150 mostly massless attendees, as well as Congressman Matt Gaetz from Florida.

“It is irrelevant that anyone who willfully endanger people in another state, let alone their own,” said New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy, who closed the room.

Murphy criticized Gaetz this week in a COVID-19 briefing.

“I hope you watch Matt. You are not welcome in New Jersey,” Murphy said. “And frankly, I never want you to come back like this again.”

California is also withdrawing its welcome mat. Bars, cellars and lounges will close counties with intensive care beds are rare. Restaurants in these areas will be closed except for take-out, and even attending private gatherings will be banned.

While order is difficult for small businesses, state officials try to avoid more heartbreaking stories, like that of Erika Becerra, 33.

Becerra was eight months pregnant when she fell ill. “We prayed for her, we talked to her, we comforted her until the last moments,” her brother said.

Doctors gave birth to her baby, but could not save her.