Coronavirus Cases, Hospitalizations Surge Over The Weekend, Trump Still Goes Ahead With Indoor Rally In Oklahoma

Coronavirus cases and hospitalizations surged over the weekend just as states begin to reopen.

What Happened

As of Sunday, Alabama had reported a record number of COVID-19 cases, for the fourth day in a row.

Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Florida, North Carolina, Oklahoma, and South Carolina all reported new highs in infections over the past three days as well, according to Reuters.

Louisiana cases crossed the 1,200 mark, the highest since May 21, while nationwide cases crossed 25,000 on Saturday, the biggest increase registered since May 2. 

Hospitalizations rose as patients were admitted in record numbers in Arkansas, North Carolina, Texas, and Utah. In South Carolina, 69% to 77% of hospital beds are already occupied.

Why It Matters

Despite the increased number of infections, President Donald Trump is planning an indoor rally on June 20 in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Bruce Dart, the Tulsa city-county health department director, has said that he is worried this rally could be dangerous for both the president and the attendees.

Trump has been criticized for refusing to wear a mask during the pandemic.

According to Reuters, a third of Oklahoma’s newly recorded cases are located in Tulsa county and are likely caused by indoor gatherings.

The increased numbers are in part due to a considerable rise in testing over the past six weeks.

Already grappling with budget shortfalls and double-digit unemployment, most states are not considering a second shutdown.

New York Governor Andrew Cuomo warned officials in New York City and Long Island on Sunday that reopenings were at risk if large gatherings were not halted.

Cuomo disclosed that the state had received 25,000 complaints of social distancing violations, mostly in Manhattan and the Hamptons, both affluent communities.