COVID-19 Infections Rising in 22 States, Two Weeks after Memorial Day and Floyd Protests Began

June 10, 2020 (EIRNS)—Today, the United States surpassed the 2 million mark of coronavirus cases, as the number of cases continues to climb in at least 22 states. In nine of those states, the Washington Post reported, hospitalizations have been on the rise since Memorial Day, May 25, the day of George Floyd's murder, which sparked widespread protests in close quarters in cities throughout the country, but also when people went out partying, visiting tourist spots and pools, without masks or practicing social distancing.

Some of the affected states, like Arizona, were also those which lifted restrictions very early. Now, Arizona faces a critical situation, prompting public health officials to order hospitals to fully activate emergency plans and be “judicious” in planning elective surgeries. Today, it reported a record high of 1,556 new cases. CNN reports that since May 15, the number of ventilated COVID-19 patients in the state has quadrupled.

Just over the past week, Florida has seen a 46% increase in the number of cases. Texas has seen 36% increase since Memorial Day, and according to the Washington Post, more than a dozen states plus Puerto Rico are seeing their highest averages of new cases since the beginning of the pandemic. Both Utah and New Mexico have seen 40% or higher increases in new cases.

Hospitalizations in at least nine states have been on the rise since Memorial Day, including Texas, North Carolina, South Carolina, California, Oregon, Arkansas, Mississippi, Utah and Arizona. The Post adds that data from states that are reporting some of their highest seven-day averages in new cases disproves the idea that the country is seeing a spike in new cases only because of increased testing.