Washington, December 21 (RHC)-- The U.S. recorded over 250,000 cases in a day for the first time over the weekend.  Nearly one in 200 people in the U.S. was diagnosed with COVID-19 in the last week, although the actual number of infected people is likely much higher. 

In the U.S. state of Tennessee -- which now has the highest number of new cases relative to its population -- nearly one of every 100 residents tested positive within the last week.  Republican Governor Bill Lee is still refusing to issue a mask mandate. 

In Los Angeles, hospitals are making plans for rationing care if the surge continues apace in the coming weeks.  California has recently had a huge increase in COVID-19 cases.