The virus has claimed more than 146,000 American lives.
Florida has more coronavirus cases than New York, and is very close to surpassing California.
According to Reuters, Florida’s case count increased by 9,300 and brought the total up to 424,000, moving New York, which has 416,000 cases, to third place.
READ MORE: Longtime aide to Florida Congressman Buchanan dies of COVID-19
Florida is now only about 30,000 cases shy from California’s total, which is about 450,000.
Florida saw more than 10,000 new cases per day in the month of July.
Compared to New York’s 700 daily cases and California’s 8,300, Florida is on a fast track to becoming the state with the most cases.
New York, however, still holds the record for the most coronavirus-related deaths than any other state. More than 32,000 people died in New York, while only 6,000 people have died in Florida.
The sudden surge in cases correlates with Florida Governor Ron DeSantis‘ disapproval of strong coronavirus mandates. Earlier this month, DeSantis refused to create a mask-wearing mandate and left regulation up to local leaders.
DeSantis has also mandated the reopening of schools in August.
President Donald Trump famously downplayed the effects of coronavirus, pushing for the re-opening of schools in the fall in spite of concerns from teachers and families about their children being exposed to COVID-19.
Many blame Trump for the fast spread of the virus.
New York state has gained control of the situation according to experts. It is in the process of reopening businesses through in phases and it is still mandatory for customers to wear masks to enter stores and restaurants.
READ MORE: California reports record high number of coronavirus deaths
The number of coronavirus cases in Texas is also quickly rising. There are currently about 391,000 confirmed cases.
As theGrio previously reported, last Saturday was the arrival of Tropical Storm Hanna, a Category 1 hurricane that made landfall around the Gulf of Mexico.
Governor Greg Abbott said Tropical Storm Hanna landed in an area that has been one of the hardest hit by the coronavirus.
It is reported by Reuters that 1 in 79 people have been infected by coronavirus based on how many cases confirmed in the U.S., nearly 4.2 million.
The virus has claimed more than 146,000 American lives.
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