US records nearly 250,000 new COVID-19 cases in a single day!

According to data released by the Johns Hopkins University (JHU), the United States saw 249,709 fresh cases of COVID-19 in just one day on Friday. This is the highest single-day spike since the beginning of the pandemic.

According to JHU, the number of deaths recorded on Friday was 2,814. The total number of COVID-19 cases so far is 17,459,256 and a total of 313,588 people have dies due to the Coronavirus so far.

According to daily data compiled by the New York Times, over 48,000 new cases were reported from California alone, while over 19,000 cases were reported from Texas. Florida reported over 13,000 cases. The state of New York recorded over 12,000 new cases.

Meanwhile, the office of California Governor Gavin Newsom that a team of experts was all set to review efficacy of the Moderna vaccine.

#ACIP has recommended the Moderna #COVID19 vaccine safe for public use. More hope is on the way.

CA’s expert scientists on the Western States Scientific Safety Review Workgroup will review the data to ensure its safety & efficacy tonight.

— Office of the Governor of California (@CAgovernor) December 20, 2020

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis said, “Florida is the first state in the nation to begin vaccinating staff and residents of long-term care facilities – a mission we could undertake immediately by deploying EMS strike teams to Pinellas and Broward Counties.”

This week the vaccine arrived in Florida & we became the first state in the nation to begin vaccinating residents of long-term care facilities. I also met with small business owners and restaurant employees who spoke about their experiences during the pandemic. Watch ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/et9O0XgKB2

— Ron DeSantis (@GovRonDeSantis) December 18, 2020

Andrew Cuomo, Governor of the state of New York shared these updates:

Today's update on the numbers:

Total COVID hospitalizations are at 6,208.

Of the 191,476 tests reported yesterday, 9,919 were positive (5.18% of total).

Sadly, there were 127 fatalities. pic.twitter.com/sbbAz2oPGN

— Andrew Cuomo (@NYGovCuomo) December 19, 2020

Meanwhile, New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio shared this update for Saturday:

Here’s a look at Saturday’s #COVID19 indicators:

• 156 new hospitalizations
• 2,700 new cases
• 6.22% positivity rate (7-day avg.)

This weekend we need to double down on what works: practice social distancing, avoid large gatherings, and wear your masks.

— Mayor Bill de Blasio (@NYCMayor) December 19, 2020

* Feature image by by Russ Allison Loar via Wikimedia Commons.