Las Vegas Review-Journal (Sunday)
As virus cases rise, so do Fourth fears
Nation flinches on celebrating
ST. PETE BEACH, Fla. — Florida and Texas reported record daily increases in confirmed coronavirus cases Saturday, the latest sign that the virus is surging in many parts of the United States, casting a pall over Fourth of July celebrations.
Officials and health authorities warned people to take precautions or simply stay home on Independence Day, as confirmed cases
are climbing in dozens of states. The U.S. reported more than 50,000 confirmed cases on Saturday for the third day in a row, according to a tally kept by Johns Hopkins University.
The U.S. has more than 2.8 million confirmed cases — about a quarter of the 11 million worldwide infections, according to the tally, which is widely thought to understate the true toll, partially because of asymptomatic cases and limited testing. More than 525,000 people have died around the globe.
While the rise in cases in the U.S. partly reflects expanded testing, experts say there is evidence that the virus is also spreading more as states reopen their economies.
Deaths have begun to rise in some states that have seen a surge in cases — including Texas, Arizona and Florida — and the coming weeks will be telling. Still, some experts have expressed doubt that deaths will ever return to the peak of around 2,200 deaths per day, hit in mid-April, because of advances in treatment and because more young adults who are less vulnerable to serious complications are among those diagnosed recently.
The sobering updates came as local officials and health experts across the U.S. tried to minimize opportunities for the virus to continue spreading on a holiday weekend typically spent eating at backyard gatherings or crowding elbow-to-elbow to view parades and fireworks shows.
Many communities canceled those events and cautioned people against gathering on their own.
Texas, which Saturday reported a record daily increase of 8,258 confirmed coronavirus cases, is retreating from what had been one of the country’s swiftest reopenings. Much of the state began mandating face coverings Friday, with a $250 fine for scofflaws.
Texas health officials on Saturday said the state’s total number of confirmed coronavirus cases is at 191,790. State health officials also reported 33 additional deaths linked to COVID-19, the disease caused by the virus. That brings Texas’ total to 2,608 deaths. Hospitalizations stood at 7,890 on Saturday, an increase of 238 from Friday.
In Florida, which Saturday reported 11,445 confirmed infections, bars statewide are shut down and some regional attractions, such as Zoo Miami and Jungle Island, have closed. Officials in South Florida — including in Miami-Dade County and the Florida Keys — closed beaches through the weekend.
Other beaches in the state remained open. At St. Pete Beach on the Gulf of Mexico, parking spaces were scarce Saturday and hundreds of people clustered in groups under umbrellas and in cabanas on the sand.
Deputies from the Pinellas County Sheriff’s office patrolled on ATVs, telling folks they should stay with their own families or groups — and away from others.
Keisha Pereira came to the beach from Osceola County — more than 100 miles inland — with her daughter and two other children and said the group planned to stay away from others. She brought along hand sanitizer and masks in case they go anywhere other than the beach.
“We’re going to stay with each other,” she said. “I feel pretty safe outside.”
In several of California’s tourism-focused counties, economic woes prompted campaigns to convince state residents to travel within its borders.
Crista Luedtke said demand has been “bonkers” since reopening the 14-room Boon Hotel and Spa that she owns in the Sonoma County town of Guerneville. Guests must stay at least two nights and are assigned chaise lounges near the pool.
“Tourism is not dangerous,” Luedtke said. “I think people not following the rules is dangerous.”
The Fourth of July had many of the traditional trappings in New
England despite the coronavirus pandemic: Cheap lobsters, warm weather and barbecues. But absent were large crowds and most public fireworks displays on Saturday in response to the pandemic.
The Boston Pops canceled its public performance and opted for a virtual performance with prerecorded segments featuring Arlo Guthrie, Queen Latifah and Leslie Odom Jr. Most fireworks displays were canceled, including Maine’s largest display on Portland’s East End Beach.
“Old Ironsides” remained docked in Boston Harbor but held a traditional salute with a canon firing 21 times, live via social media.