New COVID-19 infections remain flat or are decreasing in most states, but in 14, they are growing. Hospitalizations are also on the rise in at least eight states. Arizona has seen a dramatic rise in both. One infectious disease epidemiologist attributed the increase to the state’s loosening restrictions. Some public health experts fear that reopening may make the second wave of the pandemic worse than the first.
Coronavirus task force fades from view as Trump White House moves on
The same day that the nation’s top infectious disease expert, Dr. Anthony Fauci, warned that people should avoid large gatherings, President Donald Trump announced new rallies. Coronavirus task force meetings have also decreased as the administration shifts its focus to the economy.
Senate GOP torn on expiring COVID-19 unemployment boosts
Some 43 million Americans have now filed for unemployment due to the COVID-19 crisis. The pandemic unemployment assistance program, which adds $600 a week on top of state unemployment benefits, is set to end July 31, and lawmakers are grappling with extending it.
