Get ready to keep your mask on, at least in California.
The ongoing coronavirus pandemic has led California to become the latest state to require everyone, with a few exceptions, wear face masks pretty much all the time.
As for the large rally for President Donald Trump happening this weekend in Oklahoma: Gov. Kevin Stitt said the state is “ready” and “excited” and yet the state’s cases nearly doubled in 24 hours.
Meanwhile, we should hear news today from the Oklahoma Supreme Court, which is expected to rule on whether those who attend the campaign rally must adhere to CDC guidelines for face masks and social distancing.
In Texas, officials say students will be returning to school this fall and the state will not mandate face coverings, instead leaving it up to districts to make decisions that are “supported by science.”
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Worth knowing: By July 11, the CDC projects that between 129,000 and 145,000 deaths will be attributed to COVID-19.
📈 Today’s numbers: Almost 2.2 million Americans and 8.5 million people globally have had the coronavirus, according to the Johns Hopkins University dashboard. America’s death toll has surpassed 118,000 and more than 454,000 people have died globally.
🎤 We want to hear your stories. Tell us how the pandemic has affected your life by recording a short audio clip for the Corona Diaries project.
What’s in the news
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Florida added 3,207 cases of the coronavirus Thursday, shattering the previous daily record as the state emerges as an alarming hot spot. Meanwhile, New York is considering whether to order travelers from Florida to quarantine. – USA TODAY Network
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A new study suggests that coronavirus antibodies may last only two to three months after a person becomes infected. – CNBC
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Another study suggests blood plasma transfusions from people who recovered from the coronavirus may be a safe treatment. The study examined 20,000 hospitalized COVID-19 patients and is the largest yet. – Washington Post
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Remember that passenger who was kicked off a flight on Wednesday for not wearing a face mask? American Airlines now says he’s temporarily banned. – USA TODAY
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Chinese officials say the meat and seafood sections in Beijing’s wholesale food markets are severely contaminated with the new coronavirus, and they suspect the low temperature and high humidity may have contributed. – Reuters
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In a stunning reversal, the Navy has upheld the firing of Capt. Brett Crozier, at the helm of the USS Theodore Roosevelt aircraft carrier during a coronavirus outbreak, according to a U.S. official familiar with the report. The official said the Navy also delayed the promotion of Rear Adm. Stuart Baker, who was also onboard the ship — concluding that both men made serious errors in judgment. More than 1,000 members of the crew became infected, and one sailor died.– The Associated Press
What we’re reading
How do you actually catch COVID-19? The primary way that the coronavirus is spread is through person-to-person contact. The CDC says there is a smaller possibility that the virus could be transmitted by touching a surface and then your nose, mouth or eyes. And here’s how virus droplets actually travel through the air.
A southeast Ohio couple is being sued by the state for hoarding hand sanitizer and selling it for 11 times the price to profit off of the pandemic.
Top federal officials are privately exploring whether Latinos are to blame for regional spikes in new coronavirus cases, asking in internal communications if Mexicans could be carrying the disease across the border, fueling domestic outbreaks, USA TODAY has learned.
Want more advice on how to cope? Sign up for USA TODAY’s newsletter: Staying Apart, Together.
Tips for staying safe, healthy
If you’re traveling: Consider getting a UV wand, bring your own pillow, avoid connecting flights, pack your own snacks. More tips here.
If you’re caring for someone who is sick: There are a few tips to keep you safe, such as designating personal space for the patient. Read more here.
This summer: It’s going to be hard to stay indoors this summer, and there are ways to lessen your risk with summer activities. Keep your distance, bring hand sanitizer, wear a face mask and keep the guest list small. More tips here.
Contributing: Marco della Cava, USA TODAY; Melissa B. Taboada, Austin American-Statesman
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Coronavirus news, updates: Tips to be safe, healthy; Texas schools
