U.S. cases reaching new record high.

Washington, December 7 (RHC)-- The U.S. is heading toward 15 million confirmed cases of COVID-19 as daily cases are averaging close to 200,000.  The reported death toll has topped 282,000 with hospitalizations now over 100,000. 

Experts in the U.S. warn the grim figures don’t yet account for spikes related to Thanksgiving travel. Hospitals and the 911 emergency call system are being stretched to their breaking point as frontline health workers scramble to care for patients.

In California, San Francisco and four other Bay Area counties proactively went into a strict lockdown Sunday to prevent more infections, even though the area does not yet meet Governor Gavin Newsom’s threshold for a full lockdown.  Under the new order, businesses including hair salons and spas, theaters, museums, sports venues and bars must close. Restaurants will be limited to takeout and delivery.  Nearly 85% of California residents will now be under stay-at-home orders through Christmas.