The United States set a new record for daily coronavirus cases on Thursday (November 5) as the number topped 100,000 for the second day in a row. A total of 120,048 people tested positive, an increase of 16,000 from Wednesday.
Wisconsin recorded one of the largest single-day increases in the country, with nearly 6,000 new cases.
"While the state and country turned its eyes to the presidential election, Wisconsin had another record-setting day for Covid-19 cases, with 5,935 Wisconsinites testing positive on Wednesday," Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers said.
"Folks, this pandemic isn't happening someplace else or to somebody else," he said. "Wisconsinites in every corner of our state know firsthand the tragedy and loss of this virus."
The virus has killed more than 236,000 people in the United States.
As the number of new cases continues to soar, hospitals across the country are nearing capacity. Ohio reported a record 4,961 new COVID-19 cases and said that 2,075 people were hospitalized, with 571 patients in intensive care.
Local officials are reinstating lockdowns and restrictions on large gatherings to help slow the spread of the virus. Earlier in the week, Massachusetts announced a stay-at-home advisory from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. and new restrictions on indoor and outdoor gatherings. In Maine, all residents are now required to wear face masks, even in situations where they can practice social distancing.
Not every state is considering new restrictions, even as cases surge. In Utah, which recorded a daily record with 2,807 new coronavirus cases, officials do not want to shut down businesses again.
"We think that's maybe the wrong direction to go," Governor Gary Herbert said. "Maybe some modifications of behavior that need to take place to keep those businesses open."
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