New York used to be the no. 1 market that was hardest hit by the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, less than four months short of a year since the virus has caused havoc on the nation, Los Angeles County is being named the no. 1 metropolitan city for rising coronavirus cases.
The city of Los Angeles is reporting a staggering total of 8,568 deaths and 566,005 total cases, according to data from Johns Hopkins University. The Southern California city beats out San Bernardino, Riverside, Orange and San Diego counties.
California’s total deaths are estimated at 21,951, with 711,644 residents recovering out of 1.74 million coronavirus cases. Following close behind in cases are Texas, Florida, Illinois, New York and Ohio.
“Our hospitals are under siege and models show no end in sight,” Christina Ghaly, director of Los Angeles County’s department of health services, said. “The worst is still before us.”
United States residents have still not come to terms with how to deal with state orders and mandates that have infringed on their freedom. Many have been rebellious or negligent, not properly practicing social distancing or wearing face masks.
Others have held large gatherings and even posted these meetups online. Policymakers and government officials have made it confusing for residents by flip flopping on closure and curfew orders.
As it stands, the U.S. is the highest ranked country to be hit hardest by COVID-19. There are currently 7,008,711 active cases. A total of 317,164 people have died, with 2,513 new deaths being reported on Wednesday, Dec. 16.
