Covid becomes NUMBER ONE killer in US this week as record 2,879 die in a day and over 30m in Cali to go into lockdown
CORONAVIRUS became the number one killer in the US this week - overtaking heart disease for the first time - as a record 2,879 people died from the virus in a single day on Thursday.
The harrowing death toll comes as 30million in California are heading into lockdown as the state faces dwindling ICU bed capacities.
More than 278,000 Americans have died in the pandemic.
In another record, the US confirmed 217,664 new cases of the virus on Friday.
The total number of Covid-19 cases continues to climb past 14.3million.
On late Friday, it was revealed the ICU capacity in the Southern California region dropped to 13.1percent – meaning 23.1million will be sent into a lockdown that begins late Saturday.
The lockdowns will last at least three weeks, San Bernardino's reported.
In a proactive move earlier Friday, officials in s Bay area announced a stay-at-home order, locking down outdoor dining, entertainment centers, and personal care services, reported.
The Bay Area lockdown will be nearly a month long – lasting from December 6 to January 4.
Despite the crackdown, retail stores will still be able to remain open at 20percent capacity, with outdoor gyms and fitness centers being capped at 12 people, Bloomberg reported.
Pfizer and Moderna are both slated to have public hearings with the FDA in coming weeks, in an aim to get emergency use authorization for their respective vaccines.
If given the green light, the companies may be able to begin rolling out shots in a matter of days.
Officials have said, however, that they will have to ration who can get shots in early months – likely prioritizing healthcare and essential workers and those most at risk of serious illness.
As millions have said they would eagerly get in line for a vaccine, experts may be facing some difficulty in getting widespread herd immunity from a jab.
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Just 29percent said they would definitely get a shot, while 31percent said they would probably get the jab.