U.S. marks 250,000 dead as 2nd wave of COVID-19 continues to build

As the predicted second wave of Coronavirus strikes the United States, numbers are surging and unfortunate milestones are being passed. 250,000 Americans have died from the Coronavirus while the daily death toll could reach 2,000 in the coming months, according to reporting from the New York Times.

Over the course of the summer and early fall, restrictions began to be lifted as the rate of new cases began slowing nationwide. However, since October, many state governors have been announcing new restrictions to be set in place in order to stop the growing spread from continuing. 

The biggest coronavirus hotspot during the first wave, New York City, is experiencing one of the most significant surges in cases and has begun imposing new restrictions. For example, the public school system has been shut down as of Nov. 19. Gov. Phil Murphy of New Jersey has announced a ban on all indoor high school sports until further notice, and restaurants and bars must close at 10 p.m. 

State governments are making decisions on behalf of their states in order to protect their citizens. While not all states are enacting restrictions on business operation or statewide mask mandates, most states urge the continual use of masks to help control the pandemic as well as continued rules of social distancing.