Washington, November 25 (RHC)-- The United States reported nearly 173,000 new COVID-19 cases and over 2,100 deaths Tuesday, the deadliest day in more than six months.  Hospitalizations are at an all-time high at nearly 90,000.  The U.S. death toll is now approaching 260,000.

In California, COVID-19 hospitalizations have gone up over 80% in the past two weeks, with ICU hospitalizations increasing by over 50%.  Much of California imposed a curfew over the weekend in hopes of slowing a surge that health officials fear will only get worse due to Thanksgiving travel and gatherings. 
According to health officials, eleven states -- many in the U.S. Midwest -- have recorded more deaths in the past week than in any other week since the pandemic began.