Task force warns several US regions show signs of ‘deterioration’ amid Covid-19 surges

States will likely ‘reimpose some social distancing mandates’

“Many states will face enormous pressure on hospital capacity and will likely have to re-impose some social distancing mandates,” IHME said. “The best strategy to delay re-imposition of mandates and the associated economic hardship is to expand mask use.”

At least 32 states are reporting more new cases than the previous week, according to data from Johns Hopkins University. Only one state — Oregon — is trending in the right direction. Several state and local leaders have already pushed new efforts in hopes of holding down the virus ahead of the winter months.

Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker announced restrictions for several regions of the state. In New Orleans, Mayor LaToya Cantrell said any individual not wearing a mask in the city would be subject to a citation by police of up to $500.

“There are already laws on the books … it’s just a matter of taking that step to enforce, based on our police officers’ discretion,” the mayor said.

Utah state health officials also announced additional mitigation efforts for more than 20 counties that are considered to be at high transmission risks. Those efforts include limiting casual social gatherings to 10 people.

“Make no mistake about this, this is an urgent crisis,” Evers said. “If this weren’t absolutely serious and if this wasn’t an emergency, I wouldn’t be sitting here twice a week asking you to stay home.”

Small gatherings, house parties helping drive the surge

In its state reports, the White House task force recommended “strong mitigation efforts,” including “mask wearing, physical distancing, hand hygiene, avoiding crowds in public and social gatherings in private.”

In Maryland, Gov. Larry Hogan said Thursday family gatherings were the number one source of transmission in the state.

“Our contact tracing operations continues to show social gatherings remain the most likely source of transmissions,” the governor said. “The number one activity of those who have tested positive continues to be family gatherings, followed by house parties.”

The governor’s remarks come weeks ahead of the holidays that experts fear may help drive infection numbers higher. Doctors worry that as many college students return home, they may unknowingly bring the virus with them. And as large families gather for Thanksgiving and other events, they could be adding to an already rampant spread. Infectious disease experts say virtual celebrations may be the best route to celebrate this year.

Remdesivir gets FDA approval

The drug, sold under the brand name Veklury, has been used under emergency use authorization since May. It’s the first drug to be approved for treating Covid-19.

“In the United States, Veklury is indicated for adults and pediatric patients (12 years of age and older and weighing at least 40 kg) for the treatment of COVID-19 requiring hospitalization,” the company said in a statement.

“Veklury should only be administered in a hospital or in a healthcare setting capable of providing acute care comparable to inpatient hospital care.”