More than 71,600 new coronavirus cases were recorded in the U.S. on Thursday, according to data from Johns Hopkins University. That’s the fourth-highest number of new infections reported in the country in a single day during the pandemic – and the highest number reported since July.
As the nation sees a surge in cases and with flu season on the horizon, former Vice President Joe Biden warned of a “dark winter” coming and encouraged mask-wearing during the final presidential debate Thursday night. On the other side of the debate stage, President Trump continued to claim the virus was “going away” and the U.S. was “rounding the corner,” which health experts have disputed.
First lady Melania Trump traveled with the president to Nashville, Tennessee, for the debate, marking her first public appearance since she was treated for COVID-19. Hours before the debate, one of the drugs given to Mr. Trump during his treatment for the disease received approval from the Food and Drug Administration.
Remdesivir is the first drug approved by the agency to treat COVID-19. It’s not a cure and is only meant for hospital patients.
In Chicago, bars, restaurants and most businesses must close by 10 p.m. under a new order taking effect Friday to combat a surge in cases.
