Federal Update: U.S. Tops 120,000 New COVID-19 Cases; McConnell Calls for Coronavirus Package Before End of the Year; Hospitals Competing for Nurses

November 5, 2020

  • The U.S. reported more than 121,000 infections Thursday, beating a daily case record it set just 24 hours ago. The grim tally comes after Wednesday's record of more than 100,000 cases, which was the first time the U.S. hit a six-figure number of infections. That means in just two days, the country reported more than 220,000 positive tests, bringing the past week's total to more than 660,000 new cases of the virus.  With the virus now running rampant across American communities, several state leaders have pushed new measures to help curb the spread.
  • Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said that Congress should approve a coronavirus relief package before the end of the year, a shift from his recent suggestion that a measure was more likely early next year. A day after he won reelection, McConnell expressed optimism that negotiators could reach a deal post-election. The outcome of the presidential contest and control of the Senate at the time of this writing remains unknown, though final results are expected within the coming days.
  • As the coronavirus pandemic surges across the nation and infections and hospitalizations rise, medical administrators are scrambling to find enough nursing help — especially in rural areas and at small hospitals.


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