Chicago and Oregon went 'freeze' due to surge in COVID-19: what does it mean

Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot put the city on hold on Thursday, November 12, ordering people not to go out unless necessary and banning gatherings of more than 10 people. The reason is a new surge of COVID-19. Oregon has introduced similar restrictions. The publication told the details Dailymail.

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Thanksgiving cancellation

Lightfoot asked Chicagoans to "cancel normal Thanksgiving plans" and warned that over 1 more people in the city could die from the virus by the end of the year if action is not taken.

A month ago, an average of 500 cases were reported daily in Chicago. The city now has an average of about 1900 COVID-19 cases per day. During the same period, the proportion of positive tests almost tripled.

The freeze will remain in effect for 30 days or until health officials deem it appropriate to change the rules.

Lightfoot said the rise in COVID-19 cases is not slowing down, so urgent action is needed.

She said, "Although it is difficult because this whole year has been difficult, you should cancel Thanksgiving plans."

“If we continue on the path we are on, we will see at least a thousand more Chicagoans die,” Lightfoot explained.

“We are very far from where we need to be,” she added.

On the subject: 80% of coronavirus infections occur in 10% of popular places: a list of such locations

The restrictions on meetings go into effect on Monday, November 16, and recommendations to go outside only as a last resort - including work, buying groceries or walking pets - will take effect on the same day.

On Thursday, Nov.12, Illinois health officials reported 12 new COVID-702 cases statewide, including 19 deaths.

Stronger quarantine in Oregon

During a press conference on Friday, November 13, Gov. Kate Brown announced a two-week statewide freeze and took new measures to limit gatherings to slow the spread of the coronavirus, writes KATU.

The quarantine will be in effect from November 18 to December 2 throughout the state.

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Officials say these measures are critical to curbing the spread of the coronavirus.

Two-week quarantine measures include:

• limiting gatherings (indoors and outdoors) to no more than six people and no more than two families;
• limiting religious gatherings to 25 indoors or 50 outdoors;
• restaurants and bars are takeaway only;
• gyms and fitness centers will be closed;
• will close places for recreation, museums, entertainment venues, indoor and outdoor pools, sports grounds, as well as zoos, gardens, aquariums;
• grocery stores and pharmacies will operate at 75% capacity;
• if possible, employees of enterprises will work from home;
• it is forbidden to visit institutions for the care of the elderly and disabled.

The gain does not change current health and safety protocols for service industries such as hairdressing and non-medical massage, Gov. Brown said. They can continue to operate according to previous Oregon Health Department guidelines.

It also does not affect homeless shelters, outdoor recreation and sports, kindergartens, schools, and higher education institutions.

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On November 12, Oregon saw another record jump in coronavirus cases. From the beginning of the pandemic to the present, 53 cases have been reported in Oregon. The death toll is 779.

Oregon, Washington and California have also issued travel advisories urging visitors entering their states or returning home from travel to voluntarily quarantine to slow the spread of the virus.

Governor Brown wrote video message to residents of the state with a request to help stop the spread of the coronavirus.

New records in the USA

Across the country, the number of infections and hospitalizations continues to rise to record levels.

The death toll rose to 11 on Wednesday, November 1, the highest since May 893 during the initial peak of the outbreak. The number of new cases has been rising over the past week, reaching a record high of more than 8 per day. US hospitalizations also continue to skyrocket to single-day highs, with more than 120 patients currently being treated.

New COVID-19 adviser to President-elect Joe Biden, Dr. Michael Osterholm, said the US should impose full national isolation for six weeks to avoid "viral hell."

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80% of coronavirus infections occur in 10% of popular places: a list of such locations

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