U.S. states ramp up restrictions as COVID-19 cases surge

Governors and mayors across the U.S. are ratcheting up COVID-19 restrictions as cases of the virus continue to rise.

Leaders are closing businesses or curtailing hours, while ordering or urging people to stay home and keep their distance from others to help stem a rising tide of infections.

Officials are worried infection rates will rise because of holiday travel and family gatherings over American Thanksgiving.

The latest CDC #COVIDView report shows that the percentage of people testing positive for #COVID19 and the percentage of COVID-19-associated medical visits are increasing in every region of the United States. Learn more: https://t.co/zP4VYlo0Pb. pic.twitter.com/4VE3HJiJgT

— CDC (@CDCgov) November 16, 2020

California Gov. Gavin Newsom says he is pulling the “emergency brake” on efforts to reopen the economy.

This as the state is experiencing the fastest growth in cases yet.

The move closes many nonessential indoor businesses and requires the wearing of masks outside homes, with limited exceptions.

Meanwhile, president-elect Joe Biden is urging President Donald Trump and his administration continue co-ordinate with his transition team.

“More people may die if we don’t co-ordinate,” Biden told reporters during a news  conference in Wilmington, Delaware on Monday.

The remarks are Biden’s toughest comments to date on Trump’s failure to acknowledge his election loss and co-operate with the incoming administration for a peaceful transfer of power.

Trump has refused so far to bend to pressure from Democrats or Republicans as he continues to deny his loss to Biden.

Biden has  surpassed the 270 electoral vote threshold to become president and leads Trump by more than 5.5 million votes nationally.