US coronavirus: US reports record deaths as CDC predicts sharp rise by end of month

“We should have done better, but I think we should wait until we get into maybe the second or third week of January to see if we can now catch up to the initial pace that had been set,” a- he declared.

State sees ‘a health crisis of epic proportions’

At the epicenter of the virus is California, a state that has been among many to report record hospitalizations, increased deaths and health systems struggling to keep up with demand.

There were 459 new coronavirus deaths on Wednesday and a record 22,820 patients treated in hospitals for the virus, the California Department of Public Health reported.

More than 8,000 of them are hospitalized in Los Angeles County, where the emergency medical system is under enormous pressure, the health department said.

“This is a health crisis of epic proportions. I am more troubled than ever before, and in part my concern is rooted in the fact that it will take so much more to slow the spread given the high rate. of community spread, “Los Angeles County Department of Public Health director Dr. Barbara Ferrer said in a statement.

Elsewhere, Kentucky had two highs on Wednesday: 5,743 new cases reported in one day and a positivity rate of 11.7%, the state’s highest rate since May.

“Today’s figures show how critically important a centralized effort and response is to defeat this virus,” Governor Andy Beshear said.

In Louisiana, the rise in cases and hospitalizations has led to tighter restrictions on coronaviruses in New Orleans. From Friday morning, gatherings and special events are not permitted except for people living together in the same household and outdoor tables in bars and restaurants will be limited to 6 people from the same household, according to a statement from the mayor’s office. .

“The coming weeks will be a watershed moment in the history of our response to this pandemic,” said Mayor LaToya Cantrell. “These restrictions are short term, but they are in place for a reason.”

Older Americans, first responders to get vaccinated

As cases increase, some states are increasing the number of people eligible to receive coronavirus vaccines.

US surgeon general Dr Jerome Adams said on Wednesday vaccine administration “is increasing rapidly” and urged states to move to the next priority groups so that supply “can match demand.”

Adams told “Good Morning America” ​​that the United States is now approaching 500,000 vaccinations a day and more funding and sites are becoming available and the list of priority groups is growing.

Illinois, for example, lowered the recommended minimum age for residents to receive the vaccine to 65 from 75.

These vaccinations will take place in “a few weeks,” said Illinois Governor JB Pritzker. said. The state made the decision to lower the bar in the new phase because black and brown Americans have been disproportionately affected by Covid-19 and are more likely to die from the virus at a younger age on average, a he declared.

Governor Gretchen Whitmer said Wednesday that Michigan will enter a new phase, including residents 65 and older, teachers, first responders and correctional facility staff as eligible for vaccinations starting Monday.

New Jersey will also extend vaccination to sworn police and firefighters starting Thursday, Gov. Phil Murphy said.

The “ very dangerous game ” of the variant

“We are playing a very dangerous game with this virus right now,” CNN senior medical correspondent Elizabeth Cohen, Maria Van Kerkhove, WHO technical officer for coronavirus response, told CNN. “What worries us is that the more it spreads, the more opportunities there are for change.”

Van Kerkhove stressed that many mutations would not have much of an impact on the virus, but if a virus alters its genetics in the right way, tests might not be able to detect it as easily and vaccines might not. not work as well. against.

The virus is more likely to mutate in countries like the United States, which are experiencing unprecedented and uncontrolled spread.

She pointed out that some countries, like Australia and New Zealand, have done a better job of controlling the virus.

“It is entirely up to us to be able to bring the virus under control,” she said. “The virus is controllable, including these variants.”