California And Several Southern States See Sharp Increases In New COVID-19 Cases, But Continue To Remove Restrictions For Business And Community Events

A new article from Kaiser Health News takes a look at areas of the US that continue to be hard-hit by the SARS-CoV-2 virus.

The United States is still seeing roughly 20,000 new COVID-19 cases every day. ... Total US cases are about 2,140,000, and the death toll is currently at about 117,500.

Southern states (such as North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Louisiana, and Tennessee) that reopened restaurants, barbershops, and gyms more than one month ago are seeing a sharp increase in new cases.

Tennessee has one of the country's largest increases in new infections, but the state continues to lifting restrictions, including for community events such as fairs and parades. Also, Tennessee neighborhoods with large immigrant populations have been persistent hot spots.

Florida had a record-high for new cases for the third consecutive day (June 10-11-12). There were 2,581 new cases yesterday, surpassing the previous day's record by 679.

Counties in California are allowing more businesses to reopen even as new cases increase, especially among communities of color. Non-white people have an increased risk of developing underlying health conditions that make them more susceptible to developing severe illness if they are infected with the virus.

Latinos make up about 40% of California's population, but they account for more than 50% of the COVID-19 cases. In Los Angeles County, the highest death rates have been among native Hawaiians, Pacific Islanders, and black residents.

As the pandemic continues, the country's public health officials are facing political pressure and threats to their lives. Elected officials and members of the public, annoyed at on-going lockdowns and safety restrictions, have been taking their frustrations out on public health workers, including threatening physical violence.

Two days ago, Ohio's state health director resigned, after armed protesters came to her house. The health officer for Orange County, California, quit last Monday after weeks of criticism and personal threats from residents and public officials over the issue of wearing face coverings in public.

A review by Kaiser Health News and The Associated Press found that at least 27 state and local health leaders in 13 states have resigned, retired, or been fired since April. Reasons for leaving their posts ranged from public backlash, stressful, non-stop working conditions, and chronic under-staffing and under-funding. Some cited their own health issues.

Lori Tremmel Freeman, CEO of the National Association of County and City Health Officials, said health officials are "really getting tired of the ongoing pressures and the blame game".