U.S. COVID-19 deaths average more than 3,000 over past week

Washington, January 13 (RHC)-- The United States recorded 223,000 coronavirus cases Monday and more than 2,000 deaths.  The U.S. has averaged more than 3,000 COVID-19 deaths per day over the past week and could pass 400,000 deaths before President-elect Joe Biden is sworn in on January 20th.

Arizona remains the worst-affected state, but Republican Governor Doug Ducey continues to refuse to issue a statewide mask mandate.  On Monday, hundreds of teachers in Arizona’s Peoria Unified School District staged a massive sick-out to protest unsafe classrooms.  This comes as many bars and restaurants across Arizona remain open for indoor dining.

Meanwhile, gorillas at the San Diego Zoo in California have tested positive for coronavirus, showing mild symptoms.  Zookeepers say it’s the first known instance of natural transmission of the virus to great apes.