Covid-19 is more widespread than ever in the US but there are some states doing things right

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Tue, 2020-08-04 07:59 — mike kraft

Covid-19 is more widespread than ever in the US but there are some states doing things right US leaders have struggled to enforce social gathering rules and mask mandates as residents push for a return to normal life amid a rampant spread of coronavirus. But while people may be tired of the pandemic, there's still a long way to go, one world health official said Monday. Christina Maxouris, CNN CNN

(CNN) US leaders have struggled to enforce social gathering rules and mask mandates as residents push for a return to normal life amid a rampant spread of coronavirus. But while people may be tired of the pandemic, there's still a long way to go, one world health official said Monday.

"We need to remain focused. We need to remain strong," the World Health Organization's Covid-19 technical lead, Maria Van Kerkhove said. "We need to accept that this is challenging, but use these challenges to really put it towards something positive and fight this pandemic together."

In the US, the spread of the virus is more widespread than ever before, prompting White House coronavirus response coordinator Dr. Deborah Birx to say over the weekend the country has entered a "new phase" of the pandemic.

But there are some states that have gotten it right by not letting up on restrictions after their case numbers began dipping. Among them, Connecticut, which has one of the lowest infection rates in the country.

The state is in its second phase of reopening, where restaurants are limited to 50% indoor capacity and bars -- which health officials across the country have said fueled the spread of the virus -- remain closed. All businesses that reopen must first certify with the state they are following coronavirus-related guidelines....

Other states, like New York, which were slower to reopen, lifted restrictions by regions, and are cracking down on individuals and businesses not adhering to guidelines, are also reporting good news. New York's positivity rate over the weekend was lower than 1%, the governor said....

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