usatoday--2020-11-12--Coronavirus updates: US sets single-day case record as hospitalizations reach all-time high; New Yor

The upward trajectory of coronavirus cases in the U.S. continued Wednesday with the country setting a new mark with more than 136,000 new infections , according to Johns Hopkins University data .
That development came a day after the U.S. reached 1 million cases in November alone and COVID-19 hospitalizations surpassed 60,000 for the first time .
Hospitalizations have more than doubled in less than two months , the COVID Tracking Project reported Wednesday .
The number of Americans hospitalized due to COVID-19 has risen almost 50 % in the last two weeks .
On Wednesday , the U.S. surpassed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the largest number in the world .
The U.S. has 4.3 % of the global population but 18.8 % of the reported coronavirus deaths .
Almost 62,000 Americans were hospitalized because of COVID-19 on Tuesday .
The previous record for hospitalizations was 59,780 on April 12 , after which the number began a gradual decline that reached 28,608 on Sept. 20 .
Since then , however , the number has been rising steadily .
`` Hospitals are facing severe constraints in the weeks ahead , '' said North Dakota Gov .
Doug Burgum @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hit .
`` We need everyone to help slow the spread . ''
• Texas , the nation ’ s second-most populous state , is the first to surpass 1 million coronavirus cases , according to data from Johns Hopkins University .
• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued new guidance on face masks : They not only protect others , but they protected the wearer , too .
• The World Health Organization is allowing an independent panel to review its management of the pandemic response .
• In ICE @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is more than 13 times the rate of the U.S. population and more than double the rate in prisons , according to the report published in JAMA Open Network .
• Philadelphia 's public school system reversed its plan to resume some in-person instruction this month .
In Maryland , indoor dining at restaurants and bars will be limited to 50 % capacity starting Wednesday .
📈 Today 's numbers : The U.S. has reported close to 10.4 million cases and more than 240,000 deaths , according to Johns Hopkins University data .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ million cases and 1.28 million deaths .
🗺 Mapping coronavirus : Track the U.S. outbreak in your state .
📰What we 're reading : The leader of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention lost his way during COVID-19 .
Now his agency must rebuild its credibility .
This file will be updated throughout the day .
For updates in your inbox , subscribe to The Daily Briefing newsletter .
US sets daily record with 136,000 infections on Wednesday The U.S. set a new high-water mark for single-day cases of the coronavirus Wednesday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ University data .
The record figure represents an increase of more than 16,000 infections over the previous day 's total of nearly 120,000 .
The latest surge in cases is straining the medical systems in several states , most recently Wisconsin , which is approaching the point where its hospitals wo n't be able to properly care for all their severely ill patients , state health officials said .
The U.S. , the world leader in COVID-19 infections with close to 10.4 million , has recorded more than 100,000 new cases for eight @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new infections over that time .
Ohio Gov .
Mike DeWine took action to curtail the exploding COVID-19 epidemic on Wednesday , threatening to close restaurants , bars and fitness centers , imposing a revised mask order that could briefly close businesses for violations and cracking down on post-event gatherings .
The governor said during a statewide address that bars , restaurants and fitness centers could be ordered closed a week from Thursday `` if the current trend continues and cases keep increasing . ''
`` This surge is much more intense , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ today , every single one of our 88 counties has a high rate of virus spread , and areas of our state that were previously untouched — our rural areas — are being hit especially hard , '' DeWine said .
DeWine also said retailers and other businesses will be held responsible , and potentially closed for 24 hours , if they allow employees to go without masks and permit customers to enter without face coverings .
The revised mask order will be issued by Thursday morning , the governor 's office said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ license will have to close by 10 p.m. and indoor gatherings at private homes will be limited to no more than 10 people under new statewide rules announced Wednesday by New York Gov .
Andrew Cuomo .
Gyms will also have to close by 10 p.m .
The restrictions , which take effect Friday night , come in response to increasing COVID-19 numbers in the state and growing concerns that it will be hit with a second wave of coronavirus cases , hospitalizations and deaths .
Cuomo said 4,820 new infections were reported @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rate ) , as well as 1,628 hospitalizations and 21 COVID fatalities .
The limit on social activities at home , down from the current 50 , is sure to draw some backlash , but Cuomo said on Twitter , `` We know indoor gatherings and parties are a major source of COVID spread . ''
Indiana Gov .
Eric Holcomb finally gave in and moved the state out of its Stage 5 of reopening after seven weeks of coronavirus cases and hospitalizations soaring beyond the spring rates .
Holcomb on Wednesday placed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for most of the state , and also made available $ 20 million to local officials to help ensure businesses adhere to the state ’ s mask and social distancing requirements .
“ Unfortunately , too many of us and around the country have let our guards down , ” Holcomb said .
“ Stage 5 was being lost on people or it was being misinterpreted .
… Stage 5 to many was translated to or received as , ‘ We ’ re past it , we ’ re at the final stage @ @ @ @ @ @ @ need to do . '
” Illinois urges residents to stay home for next three weeks The Illinois Department of Public Health is encouraging residents to take extra precautions for the next three weeks amid a surge in COVID-19 cases in the state .
The department is encouraging Illinoisans to work from home , participate in essential activities only and limit travel and gatherings .
`` Our goal is to reduce transmission as we head into the holidays so businesses and schools can remain open , '' the department said in a news @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new cases in the past week than any other state , according to the CDC , with nearly 70,000 new cases in the past seven days .
There have been more than half a million confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the state and more than 10,000 deaths .
More than 5,000 COVID-19 patients are hospitalized .
Virus forces cancellation of Veterans Day activities across US This year 's Veterans Day has lacked many of the usual acknowledgments of those who have served the country in the military forces , as the coronavirus forced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ loved ones .
Many of the nation ’ s veterans homes barred visitors to protect their residents from a virus that has killed thousands of former servicemen and women .
Cemeteries decorated with American flags were silent as well , as many of the traditional ceremonies were canceled .
With infections raging again nationwide , several veterans homes are fighting new outbreaks .
More than 4,200 veterans have died from COVID-19 at hospitals and homes run by the Department of Veterans Affairs , and nearly 85,000 have been infected , according to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ n't include those who have died in private or state-run veterans facilities .
UK is first country in Europe with 50,000 coronavirus deaths Britain has become the first European country to have 50,000 of its residents die of COVID-19 .
The UK reached that figure Wednesday , when it reported a total of 50,365 fatalities , including 595 in the previous 24 hours .
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson , who spent three days in the ICU battling a severe case of COVID-19 , acknowledged that , `` Every death is a tragedy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` I do think we have got now to a different phase in the way that we treat it . ''
As in the U.S. , those most affected by the virus in Britain have been seniors — people above 65 make up 90 % of the fatalities — as well as minorities and the poor .
Italy has recorded the second most deaths on the European continent with nearly 43,000 , followed by France with more than 41,000 .
There 's already a postponement in the college basketball season , which does @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Stetson 's game at Miami , scheduled for Nov. 25 , has been put on hold after a Hatters player tested positive for COVID , forcing others to go in isolation .
The college football season has had more than 50 games postponed or canceled , including four in the SEC this week .
A fourth college football game scheduled for Saturday involving Southeastern Conference schools was postponed Wednesday due to COVID-19 concerns .
The University of Georgia will not play at the University of Missouri , the conference announced .
It was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be played at a later date .
Earlier this week , Auburn at Mississippi State , Alabama at LSU and Texas A & M at Tennessee were all forced to reschedule .
At least two other Saturday games involving schools from other conferences – Memphis at Navy and Louisiana-Monroe at Arkansas State – also have been postponed .
Overall , more than 50 games have been postponed or canceled this season .
The nation ’ s second-most populous state is the first to surpass 1 million coronavirus cases , according to data from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ now reported 1.01 million coronavirus cases and 19,337 deaths .
There were 6,170 people hospitalized Tuesday with the coronavirus and 94 new deaths were reported that day , according to the state Department of State Health Services .
Texas has about 28 million people , 12 million less than California , which will soon surpass 1 million infections as well .
The true number of infections for all states is likely much higher because many infected do n't feel sick and have not been tested .
`` Swift distribution of vaccines and medical @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from COVID-19 , slow the spread of the virus , and aid in reducing hospitalizations of Texans , '' Gov .
Gregg Abbott said in a statement .
Peter Giannikopoulos , one of the suitors vying for Tayshia Adams 's attentions on the current season of `` The Bachelorette , '' says he has tested positive for COVID-19 and then suffered minor injuries in a car accident upon hearing the news .
The real estate adviser from Everett , Massachusetts , was one of four suitors who entered the Palm Springs `` Bachelorette @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Giannikopoulos , 32 , wrote in an Instagram post Tuesday that he had begun a two-week quarantine after testing positive for the coronavirus Monday .
Filming for the series wrapped in September .
`` The past 24 hours have truly been some of the hardest in my life .
Yesterday I tested positive for Covid , '' he wrote alongside a shirtless selfie photo taken from his bed .
`` Although my symptoms are evident , I am going to fight this and win . ''
Joe Biden on masks : No @ @ @ @ @ @ @ President-elect Joe Biden 's transition team website outlines a plan to `` implement mask mandates nationwide by working with governors and mayors and by asking the American people to do what they do best : step up in a time of crisis . ''
The website says Biden will call for Americans to wear a mask when they are around people outside their household , for governors to make that mandatory in their state and for local authorities to also make it mandatory `` to buttress their state orders . ''
On the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ n't issue a national mandate .
`` A national mandate is not possible because public health powers belong to the states , not the federal government , '' said Lawrence Gostin , director of Georgetown University ’ s O'Neill Institute for National and Global Health Law .
`` The federal government couldn ’ t implement its own mask mandates , nor could it force the states to do it . ''
ICE detainees rate of infection 13 times that of US population Researchers analyzing coronavirus data from 92 of the nation ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ found the case rate was on average more than 13 times the rate of the U.S. population and more than double the rate in prisons , according to a report published in JAMA Open Network .
Lack of data transparency , minimal testing and anecdotal reports of inconsistent compliance with health guidelines suggest ICE case numbers could be much higher , experts say .
“ Unless we ’ re wanting to give people who are detained by ICE death sentences ... we should absolutely be doing everything we can to protect them , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ professor of epidemiology at Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health .
“ Not providing means to stop the spread in those locations is a national travesty .
It ’ s a stain on our country . ''
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has issued new guidance regarding face masks : They not only protect others , but they protected the wearer too .
`` Experimental and epidemiological data support community masking to reduce the spread '' of the virus , the CDC says .
`` Individual benefit increases with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ CDC had previously encouraged mask use as a way to help prevent infected people from spreading the coronavirus to others .
Here 's how to find the most effective masks .
Maryland Gov .
Harry Logan reimposed restrictions to combat a `` public health catastrophe '' due to a surge in COVID-19 cases .
Staring Wednesday evening , indoor dining at restaurants and bars must return to 50 % capacity .
State health officials are `` strongly advising against '' indoor gatherings of more than 25 people and nonessential travel to states with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Those who leave the state must get tested and self-quarantine .
“ More people are getting infected with the virus , more people are being hospitalized , more people are going into intensive care , and more Marylanders are dying , '' Hogan said .
`` The actions we are taking today are absolutely necessary to help us withstand this surge , to save lives . ''
Maryland has a total of 156,709 confirmed cases and 4,084 deaths , according to the state 's COVID-19 data dashboard .
• In your inbox : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ news on the coronavirus pandemic from the USA TODAY Network .
Sign up for the daily Coronavirus Watch newsletter .
• Tips for coping : Every Saturday and Tuesday we 'll be in your inbox , offering you a virtual hug and a little bit of solace in these difficult times .
Sign up for Staying Apart , Together .
• On Facebook : A lot is still unknown about the coronavirus .
But what we do know , we 're sharing with you .
Join our Facebook group , Coronavirus Watch , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and chat with others in the community about COVID-19 .

Jorge L. Ortiz, John Bacon and Jessica Flores, USA TODAY

Coronavirus updates: US sets single-day case record as hospitalizations reach all-time high; New York, Ohio, Indiana tighten restrictions
Show Caption Hide Caption COVID-19: CDC releases new guidance on masks The CDC previously encouraged mask wearing to help prevent people from spreading COVID-19 to others. USA TODAY
The upward trajectory of coronavirus cases in the U.S. continued Wednesday with the country setting a new mark with more than 136,000 new infections, according to Johns Hopkins University data.
That development came a day after the U.S. reached 1 million cases in November alone and COVID-19 hospitalizations surpassed 60,000 for the first time. Hospitalizations have more than doubled in less than two months, the COVID Tracking Project reported Wednesday.
The number of Americans hospitalized due to COVID-19 has risen almost 50% in the last two weeks. On Wednesday, the U.S. surpassed 240,000 deaths caused by the coronavirus, the largest number in the world. The U.S. has 4.3% of the global population but 18.8% of the reported coronavirus deaths.
Almost 62,000 Americans were hospitalized because of COVID-19 on Tuesday. The previous record for hospitalizations was 59,780 on April 12, after which the number began a gradual decline that reached 28,608 on Sept. 20. Since then, however, the number has been rising steadily.
"Hospitals are facing severe constraints in the weeks ahead," said North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum, whose state is among the hardest hit. "We need everyone to help slow the spread."
Today's latest updates:
Texas, the nation’s second-most populous state, is the first to surpass 1 million coronavirus cases, according to data from Johns Hopkins University.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued new guidance on face masks: They not only protect others, but they protected the wearer, too.
The World Health Organization is allowing an independent panel to review its management of the pandemic response.
In ICE detention centers, the coronavirus case rate is more than 13 times the rate of the U.S. population and more than double the rate in prisons, according to the report published in JAMA Open Network.
Philadelphia's public school system reversed its plan to resume some in-person instruction this month. In Maryland, indoor dining at restaurants and bars will be limited to 50% capacity starting Wednesday.
📈 Today's numbers: The U.S. has reported close to 10.4 million cases and more than 240,000 deaths, according to Johns Hopkins University data. The global totals: more than 51.9 million cases and 1.28 million deaths.
🗺 Mapping coronavirus: Track the U.S. outbreak in your state.
📰What we're reading: The leader of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention lost his way during COVID-19. Now his agency must rebuild its credibility.
This file will be updated throughout the day. For updates in your inbox, subscribe to The Daily Briefing newsletter.
The U.S. set a new high-water mark for single-day cases of the coronavirus Wednesday with 136,325, based on Johns Hopkins University data. The record figure represents an increase of more than 16,000 infections over the previous day's total of nearly 120,000.
The latest surge in cases is straining the medical systems in several states, most recently Wisconsin, which is approaching the point where its hospitals won't be able to properly care for all their severely ill patients, state health officials said.
The U.S., the world leader in COVID-19 infections with close to 10.4 million, has recorded more than 100,000 new cases for eight consecutive days, averaging more than 121,000 new infections over that time.
Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine took action to curtail the exploding COVID-19 epidemic on Wednesday, threatening to close restaurants, bars and fitness centers, imposing a revised mask order that could briefly close businesses for violations and cracking down on post-event gatherings.
The governor said during a statewide address that bars, restaurants and fitness centers could be ordered closed a week from Thursday "if the current trend continues and cases keep increasing."
"This surge is much more intense, widespread, and dangerous. As of today, every single one of our 88 counties has a high rate of virus spread, and areas of our state that were previously untouched — our rural areas — are being hit especially hard," DeWine said.
DeWine also said retailers and other businesses will be held responsible, and potentially closed for 24 hours, if they allow employees to go without masks and permit customers to enter without face coverings. The revised mask order will be issued by Thursday morning, the governor's office said.
– Randy Ludlow, The Columbus Dispatch
Bars and restaurants with a liquor license will have to close by 10 p.m. and indoor gatherings at private homes will be limited to no more than 10 people under new statewide rules announced Wednesday by New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo. Gyms will also have to close by 10 p.m.
The restrictions, which take effect Friday night, come in response to increasing COVID-19 numbers in the state and growing concerns that it will be hit with a second wave of coronavirus cases, hospitalizations and deaths. Cuomo said 4,820 new infections were reported Tuesday (at a 2.93% positivity rate), as well as 1,628 hospitalizations and 21 COVID fatalities.
The limit on social activities at home, down from the current 50, is sure to draw some backlash, but Cuomo said on Twitter, "We know indoor gatherings and parties are a major source of COVID spread.''
New York follows the science.
We know indoor gatherings and parties are a major source of COVID spread.
To slow the spread, NYS will limit indoor gatherings at private residences to 10 people.
This limit takes effect Friday at 10pm. — Andrew Cuomo (@NYGovCuomo) November 11, 2020
Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb finally gave in and moved the state out of its Stage 5 of reopening after seven weeks of coronavirus cases and hospitalizations soaring beyond the spring rates.
Holcomb on Wednesday placed limits on social gatherings and school events for most of the state, and also made available $20 million to local officials to help ensure businesses adhere to the state’s mask and social distancing requirements.
“Unfortunately, too many of us and around the country have let our guards down,” Holcomb said. “Stage 5 was being lost on people or it was being misinterpreted. … Stage 5 to many was translated to or received as, ‘We’re past it, we’re at the final stage, there’s nothing more we need to do.'”
– Elizabeth DePompei and Shari Rudavsky, Indianapolis Star
The Illinois Department of Public Health is encouraging residents to take extra precautions for the next three weeks amid a surge in COVID-19 cases in the state. The department is encouraging Illinoisans to work from home, participate in essential activities only and limit travel and gatherings.
"Our goal is to reduce transmission as we head into the holidays so businesses and schools can remain open," the department said in a news release Wednesday.
Illinois has reported more new cases in the past week than any other state, according to the CDC, with nearly 70,000 new cases in the past seven days. There have been more than half a million confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the state and more than 10,000 deaths. More than 5,000 COVID-19 patients are hospitalized.
– Grace Hauck
This year's Veterans Day has lacked many of the usual acknowledgments of those who have served the country in the military forces, as the coronavirus forced cancellation of commemorations and even visits to loved ones.
Many of the nation’s veterans homes barred visitors to protect their residents from a virus that has killed thousands of former servicemen and women.
Cemeteries decorated with American flags were silent as well, as many of the traditional ceremonies were canceled. With infections raging again nationwide, several veterans homes are fighting new outbreaks.
More than 4,200 veterans have died from COVID-19 at hospitals and homes run by the Department of Veterans Affairs, and nearly 85,000 have been infected, according to the department. But the death toll doesn't include those who have died in private or state-run veterans facilities.
Britain has become the first European country to have 50,000 of its residents die of COVID-19. The UK reached that figure Wednesday, when it reported a total of 50,365 fatalities, including 595 in the previous 24 hours.
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who spent three days in the ICU battling a severe case of COVID-19, acknowledged that, "Every death is a tragedy" while adding about improved therapeutics: "I do think we have got now to a different phase in the way that we treat it."
As in the U.S., those most affected by the virus in Britain have been seniors — people above 65 make up 90% of the fatalities — as well as minorities and the poor.
Italy has recorded the second most deaths on the European continent with nearly 43,000, followed by France with more than 41,000.
There's already a postponement in the college basketball season, which doesn't start for another two weeks.
Stetson's game at Miami, scheduled for Nov. 25, has been put on hold after a Hatters player tested positive for COVID, forcing others to go in isolation.
The college football season has had more than 50 games postponed or canceled, including four in the SEC this week.
A fourth college football game scheduled for Saturday involving Southeastern Conference schools was postponed Wednesday due to COVID-19 concerns. The University of Georgia will not play at the University of Missouri, the conference announced. It was not immediately clear if the game would be played at a later date.
Earlier this week, Auburn at Mississippi State, Alabama at LSU and Texas A&M at Tennessee were all forced to reschedule. At least two other Saturday games involving schools from other conferences – Memphis at Navy and Louisiana-Monroe at Arkansas State – also have been postponed. Overall, more than 50 games have been postponed or canceled this season.
The nation’s second-most populous state is the first to surpass 1 million coronavirus cases, according to data from Johns Hopkins University. The state has now reported 1.01 million coronavirus cases and 19,337 deaths.
There were 6,170 people hospitalized Tuesday with the coronavirus and 94 new deaths were reported that day, according to the state Department of State Health Services.
Texas has about 28 million people, 12 million less than California, which will soon surpass 1 million infections as well. The true number of infections for all states is likely much higher because many infected don't feel sick and have not been tested.
"Swift distribution of vaccines and medical treatments will begin to heal those suffering from COVID-19, slow the spread of the virus, and aid in reducing hospitalizations of Texans," Gov. Gregg Abbott said in a statement.
Peter Giannikopoulos, one of the suitors vying for Tayshia Adams's attentions on the current season of "The Bachelorette," says he has tested positive for COVID-19 and then suffered minor injuries in a car accident upon hearing the news.
The real estate adviser from Everett, Massachusetts, was one of four suitors who entered the Palm Springs "Bachelorette" bubble on this week's episode.
Giannikopoulos, 32, wrote in an Instagram post Tuesday that he had begun a two-week quarantine after testing positive for the coronavirus Monday. Filming for the series wrapped in September.
"The past 24 hours have truly been some of the hardest in my life. Yesterday I tested positive for Covid," he wrote alongside a shirtless selfie photo taken from his bed. "Although my symptoms are evident, I am going to fight this and win."
– Bryan Alexander
President-elect Joe Biden's transition team website outlines a plan to "implement mask mandates nationwide by working with governors and mayors and by asking the American people to do what they do best: step up in a time of crisis." The website says Biden will call for Americans to wear a mask when they are around people outside their household, for governors to make that mandatory in their state and for local authorities to also make it mandatory "to buttress their state orders." On the campaign trail, Biden said he couldn't issue a national mandate.
"A national mandate is not possible because public health powers belong to the states, not the federal government," said Lawrence Gostin, director of Georgetown University’s O'Neill Institute for National and Global Health Law. "The federal government couldn’t implement its own mask mandates, nor could it force the states to do it."
– Grace Hauck
COVID-19: How Herd Immunity works, why you still need to wear a mask Without masks and a vaccine, we could reach Herd Immunity from COVID-19, but deaths would skyrocket. We break down the science of it. Just the FAQs, USA TODAY
Researchers analyzing coronavirus data from 92 of the nation’s 135 Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention centers found the case rate was on average more than 13 times the rate of the U.S. population and more than double the rate in prisons, according to a report published in JAMA Open Network.
Lack of data transparency, minimal testing and anecdotal reports of inconsistent compliance with health guidelines suggest ICE case numbers could be much higher, experts say.
“Unless we’re wanting to give people who are detained by ICE death sentences ... we should absolutely be doing everything we can to protect them,” said Michael Mina, an assistant professor of epidemiology at Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health. “Not providing means to stop the spread in those locations is a national travesty. It’s a stain on our country."
– Adrianna Rodriguez
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has issued new guidance regarding face masks: They not only protect others, but they protected the wearer too.
"Experimental and epidemiological data support community masking to reduce the spread" of the virus, the CDC says. "Individual benefit increases with increasing community mask use."
The CDC had previously encouraged mask use as a way to help prevent infected people from spreading the coronavirus to others. Here's how to find the most effective masks.
Maryland Gov. Harry Logan reimposed restrictions to combat a "public health catastrophe" due to a surge in COVID-19 cases. Staring Wednesday evening, indoor dining at restaurants and bars must return to 50% capacity. State health officials are "strongly advising against" indoor gatherings of more than 25 people and nonessential travel to states with a positivity rate above 10%. Those who leave the state must get tested and self-quarantine.
“More people are getting infected with the virus, more people are being hospitalized, more people are going into intensive care, and more Marylanders are dying," Hogan said. "The actions we are taking today are absolutely necessary to help us withstand this surge, to save lives."
Maryland has a total of 156,709 confirmed cases and 4,084 deaths, according to the state's COVID-19 data dashboard.
COVID-19 resources from USA TODAY
In your inbox: Stay up to date with the latest news on the coronavirus pandemic from the USA TODAY Network. Sign up for the daily Coronavirus Watch newsletter.
Stay up to date with the latest news on the coronavirus pandemic from the USA TODAY Network. Tips for coping: Every Saturday and Tuesday we'll be in your inbox, offering you a virtual hug and a little bit of solace in these difficult times. Sign up for Staying Apart, Together.
Every Saturday and Tuesday we'll be in your inbox, offering you a virtual hug and a little bit of solace in these difficult times. On Facebook: A lot is still unknown about the coronavirus. But what we do know, we're sharing with you. Join our Facebook group, Coronavirus Watch, to receive daily updates in your feed and chat with others in the community about COVID-19.
Contributing: The Associated Press


usatoday--2020-11-12--Election 2020 live updates: Bolton says Republicans 'coddling' Trump; Georgia will do hand recount

USA TODAY 'S coverage of the 2020 election continues this week after Joe Biden won a bitterly fought presidential election and states work to finish counting their remaining ballots .
Be sure to refresh this page often to get the latest information on how things are going .
USA TODAY will have live election information from across the country .
Trump endorses McDaniel for another term as Republican Party chairwoman President Donald Trump sought to clear the political air Wednesday by endorsing Ronna McDaniel for another term as chairwoman of the Republican National Committee .
`` With 72 MILLION votes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sitting President in U.S. history - and we will win ! ''
tweeted Trump , who is continuing his long-shot legal challenge to the election victory by Democrat Joe Biden .
McDaniel is expected to seek a third term as party chair when the RNC meets in January .
She has been helping promote Trump 's lawsuits and election protests , even as many aides believe they will be unsuccessful .
The president 's endorsement should tamp down news reports that another Trump supporter – perhaps even his son , Donald Trump Jr. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The younger Trump had denied any interest in running the RNC .
President Donald Trump ’ s former national security adviser , John Bolton , said Republicans should urge the president to concede the election and accused GOP lawmakers of “ coddling ” Trump while he “ trashes the U.S. electoral system.
” Trump has refused to concede his loss to Democrat Joe Biden , falsely suggested there was widespread fraud and directed his campaign to challenge the results in court .
In a stinging Washington Post opinion piece , Bolton said Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his claims of fraud and is causing “ grievous harm ” to Americans ’ confidence in the country ’ s constitutional system .
Bolton said Republicans are kowtowing to Trump because they want to win the two U.S. Senate seats in Georgia , which will be decided in a Jan. 5 runoff .
But , he argued , the GOP ’ s refusal to stand up to Trump will do short- and long-term damage to the party .
“ Coddling proponents plead that an enraged Trump will jeopardize the chances of victory in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ But that is true only if party leaders do not speak up , explaining to voters what the real facts are .
Do we in the GOP not trust our own base enough to absorb the truth ?
” “ … The more Republican leaders kowtow , the more Trump believes he is still in control and the less likely he will do what normal presidents do : make a gracious concession speech ; fully cooperate with the president-elect in a smooth transition process ; and validate the election process itself @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 20 inauguration , ” Bolton writes .
He said it ’ s a matter of U.S. national security to begin the transition process and said Republicans ’ “ passivity risks additional negative consequences for the country , ” pointing to Trump ’ s decision to fire his Defense Secretary Mark Esper earlier this week .
He said Washington is `` filled with rumors '' that FBI and CIA leaders are next on Trump 's chopping block .
• No evidence that 14,000 dead people voted in Michigan • Ballots in video of `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , city officials say • Nine military ballots were incorrectly discarded , but it was n't an instance of fraud —and they were n't in a ditch • Arizona election department : Sharpies can be used on ballots President-elect Joe Biden paid his respects on Veterans Day Wednesday at the Philadelphia Korean War Memorial .
Biden , along with Dr. Jill Biden , visited the memorial at Penn ’ s Landing in Philadelphia for 15 minutes , and was accompanied by Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney .
During Biden ’ s visit , a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Private First Class Albert El offered a prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance was recited .
The president-elect also placed a wreath at the memorial .
More than 100 people gathered at the memorial during Biden ’ s visit .
He did not make any public remarks but took photos with several groups of people .
“ The women and men who have fought and sacrificed for our country are heroes , and the rest of us owe them an unpayable debt .
They have earned our thanks and , above all , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a statement .
In his statement , Biden also paid respects to his late-son Beau , who was a major in the Delaware Army National Guard .
“ We prayed every night and morning for his safety , and we missed him at every family gathering or when tucking his children in at night .
It was hard .
It hurt .
These are challenges most American families never have to face , ” Biden said .
“ And yet , Jill and I were constantly in awe when visiting with wounded service @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our home for dinners , at the pride our military members and veterans feel in their service , and at their matchless sense of duty , ” he added .
“ They are the absolute best of our country.
” President Donald Trump paid Veterans Day respects Wednesday with the traditional wreath-laying at Arlington National Cemetery , his first public event in nearly a week .
Trump , who has stayed out of the public eye while contesting Joe Biden 's election , did not make remarks at the annual National Day of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ president placed a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier .
Neither Trump nor Vice President Mike Pence wore a mask .
Arlington National Cemetery said in a Twitter post that `` all visitors are to follow social distancing requirements and wear face coverings while on cemetery grounds .
Anyone not having a face covering in their possession at cemetery entry points will not be granted access to the cemetery . ''
Veterans Day : On Veterans Day , how President-elect Biden 's plan for the Pentagon differs from Trump Since Election @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of golf , Trump has appeared in public only twice , both angry speeches denouncing the election and pledging legal fights against the process that elected Biden .
Meanwhile , the normally outspoken Trump has spent his time inside the White House talking with aides , watching news reports , and tweeting complaints about the election .
Georgia Secretary of State : There will be a hand recount in every county Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger , a Republican , said Wednesday the state would conduct a hand recount of presidential election @ @ @ @ @ @ @ close margin .
Rep. Doug Collins , R-Ga. , who leads the campaign ’ s recount effort , said Tuesday the recount was necessary because of “ widespread allegations of voter irregularities , ” though he did not present evidence .
President-elect Joe Biden currently holds on to a roughly 14,000-vote lead in the state , or 0.3 % .
Under Georgia law , candidates can request a recount if the margin of victory is less than 0.5 % .
`` We 're doing this because it 's what makes the most sense @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the closeness of this race , '' Raffensperger said after being asked whether the hand recount was being done because of the request from the Trump campaign .
The state expects to complete the recount and certify its results by Nov. 20 , he said .
Georgia pays for recounts .
Raffensperger applauded the Justice Department and Attorney General Barr 's efforts to probe possible fraud , noting the federal government has additional resources that his office does not .
`` We want to make sure that the only people that vote @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
He encouraged those with knowledge of any election fraud to come forward .
Georgia ’ s two incumbent Republican senators , Kelly Loeffler and David Perdue , issued a statement Monday calling on Raffensperger to resign over his handling of the state ’ s close election , alleging misconduct in his election administration .
Raffensperger said in a statement , although the senators had called for him to be fired , `` that is not going to happen .
The voters of Georgia hired me , and the voters will be the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sen. Dan Sullivan has been reelected to his Alaska seat , holding off a challenge from Independent Al Gross .
The race was thought to be an uphill battle for Democrats , as Trump carried Alaska by nearly 15 points in 2016 , but Trump ’ s handling of the pandemic and Sullivan ’ s narrow victory in 2014 put his seat on a list of potential pickups for liberals .
President Donalrump was also declared the winner of the state .
The race was one of the last chances for Democrats to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ need in order to take control of the Senate majority .
The call in Alaska means the last remaining chances lie in Georgia , where two seats are up for grabs and will be decided in runoff elections in January – leaving the Senate majority unclear for weeks .
Georgia has historically been a red state but Biden is currently leading as a recount starts due to the close margin between him and Trump .
Democrats bested Republicans in Colorado , where John Hickenlooper beat Republican Sen. Cory Gardner , and in Arizona @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by Democrat Mark Kelly .
But the party faced a setback in Alabama , where Republicans captured the Senate seat held by Sen. Doug Jones and continued to see losses across the country , including in states where Democrats were polling much better than incumbent Republicans .
Two Republican governors from traditionally Democratic-leaning states slammed President Donald Trump on Tuesday for delaying the transition to President-elect Joe Biden .
In Maryland , Gov .
Larry Hogan said there was no evidence of widespread voter fraud as the president and his allies have alleged @ @ @ @ @ @ @ challenges to the election were “ really dangerous ” during the pandemic and economic recession .
Hogan said he had not “ seen anything that would in any way change the outcome of the election.
” “ We 've got to move on , '' said Hogan .
Hogan wrote in Ronald Reagan on his presidential ballot in 2020 and put his father , former Rep. Lawrence Hogan , on his ballot in 2016 .
And in Massachusetts , Gov .
Charlie Baker said Trump ’ s allegations of voter fraud were “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s employment of the Department of Justice to investigate voting irregularities “ wildly inappropriate.
” “ I can ’ t think of a worse time to stall a transition than amid a deadly pandemic , ” he said .
Baker left his presidential ballot blank in 2020 , just as he did in 2016 .
Republican lawmakers in Congress have mostly supported Trump ’ s refusal to concede the election .
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said Monday that Trump was “ 100 % within his rights to look into allegations of irregularities @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump and Pence to take part in Veterans Day event while Biden meets with transition advisors President Donald Trump and Vice President Mike Pence will appear together at Arlington National Cemetery outside Washington for a Veterans Day event on Wednesday as the pair refuses to concede the presidential election to Joe Biden .
The two will appear together publicly after President-elect Biden was projected as the winner of the presidential election over the weekend .
The president has refused to concede and his allies are challenging election results in key swing states , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ evidence of widespread wrong .
Biden will meet with transition advisors Wednesday as he continues to chart out his transition ahead of Inauguration Day on Jan. 20 .
On Tuesday , he said Trump 's unwillingness to concede is n't slowing down his transition .
`` I just think it 's an embarrassment , quite frankly , '' Biden said of Trump .
`` How can I say this tactfully ?
I think it will not help the president 's legacy . ''
Pennsylvania Secretary of State says only 10,000 ballots received after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said Tuesday that around 10,000 ballots arrived after Election Day but by Nov. 6 .
This is significant as a lawsuit from the Trump campaign criticizes the three-day extension of the deadline for receiving absentee and mail votes , from Election Day until Nov. 6 .
2020 : Was Biden 's win over Trump a landslide ?
Narrow ?
A look at previous elections That change , recommended by the secretary of state 's office and upheld by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court , is now the subject of a state GOP request for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Court .
Even if those approximately 10,000 ballots were all rejected , Biden would still win Pennsylvania .
He is currently leading in the state by more than 47,000 votes .
Veterans Day : On Veterans Day , how President-elect Biden 's plan for the Pentagon differs from Trump Coons : GOP senators asking him to congratulate Biden for them since they ca n't publicly do so Sen. Chris Coons , D-Del.
, said Tuesday his GOP colleagues are privately asking him to congratulate Biden on winning the election , because they ca @ @ @ @ @ @ @ CNN it 's `` past time for Republican leaders to stand up and say , 'We should accept the results of this election . '
`` '' They call me to say , you know , 'Congratulations , please convey my well wishes to the President-elect , but I ca n't say that publicly yet , ' '' Coons said of his Republican colleagues , though he did n't cite any Republicans by name .
Despite passing the 270 electoral votes needed to become the 46th president of the United States , most @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Biden as the President-Elect .

Savannah Behrmann and Sean Rossman, USA TODAY

Election 2020 live updates: Bolton says Republicans 'coddling' Trump; Georgia will do hand recount
Show Caption Hide Caption How a contentious election affects a peaceful transition of power What history has shown us about contested elections and peaceful transitions of power. Just the FAQs, USA TODAY
USA TODAY'S coverage of the 2020 election continues this week after Joe Biden won a bitterly fought presidential election and states work to finish counting their remaining ballots.
Be sure to refresh this page often to get the latest information on how things are going.
USA TODAY will have live election information from across the country.
President Donald Trump sought to clear the political air Wednesday by endorsing Ronna McDaniel for another term as chairwoman of the Republican National Committee.
"With 72 MILLION votes, we received more votes than any sitting President in U.S. history - and we will win!" tweeted Trump, who is continuing his long-shot legal challenge to the election victory by Democrat Joe Biden.
McDaniel is expected to seek a third term as party chair when the RNC meets in January. She has been helping promote Trump's lawsuits and election protests, even as many aides believe they will be unsuccessful.
I am pleased to announce that I have given my full support and endorsement to Ronna McDaniel to continue heading the Republican National Committee (RNC). With 72 MILLION votes, we received more votes than any sitting President in U.S. history - and we will win! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 11, 2020
The president's endorsement should tamp down news reports that another Trump supporter – perhaps even his son, Donald Trump Jr. – might challenge McDaniel's leadership. The younger Trump had denied any interest in running the RNC.
— David Jackson
President Donald Trump’s former national security adviser, John Bolton, said Republicans should urge the president to concede the election and accused GOP lawmakers of “coddling” Trump while he “trashes the U.S. electoral system.”
Trump has refused to concede his loss to Democrat Joe Biden, falsely suggested there was widespread fraud and directed his campaign to challenge the results in court.
In a stinging Washington Post opinion piece, Bolton said Trump has not provided any evidence to support his claims of fraud and is causing “grievous harm” to Americans’ confidence in the country’s constitutional system.
Bolton said Republicans are kowtowing to Trump because they want to win the two U.S. Senate seats in Georgia, which will be decided in a Jan. 5 runoff. But, he argued, the GOP’s refusal to stand up to Trump will do short- and long-term damage to the party.
“Coddling proponents plead that an enraged Trump will jeopardize the chances of victory in the Georgia runoffs,” he wrote. “But that is true only if party leaders do not speak up, explaining to voters what the real facts are. Do we in the GOP not trust our own base enough to absorb the truth?”
“ … The more Republican leaders kowtow, the more Trump believes he is still in control and the less likely he will do what normal presidents do: make a gracious concession speech; fully cooperate with the president-elect in a smooth transition process; and validate the election process itself by joining his successor at the Jan. 20 inauguration,” Bolton writes.
He said it’s a matter of U.S. national security to begin the transition process and said Republicans’ “passivity risks additional negative consequences for the country,” pointing to Trump’s decision to fire his Defense Secretary Mark Esper earlier this week. He said Washington is "filled with rumors" that FBI and CIA leaders are next on Trump's chopping block.
– Deirdre Shesgreen
'FRAUD' FACT CHECKS:
President-elect Joe Biden paid his respects on Veterans Day Wednesday at the Philadelphia Korean War Memorial.
Biden, along with Dr. Jill Biden, visited the memorial at Penn’s Landing in Philadelphia for 15 minutes, and was accompanied by Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney.
During Biden’s visit, a local honor guard posted the colors, Private First Class Albert El offered a prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance was recited. The president-elect also placed a wreath at the memorial.
More than 100 people gathered at the memorial during Biden’s visit. He did not make any public remarks but took photos with several groups of people.
“The women and men who have fought and sacrificed for our country are heroes, and the rest of us owe them an unpayable debt. They have earned our thanks and, above all, our respect," Biden said in a statement.
In his statement, Biden also paid respects to his late-son Beau, who was a major in the Delaware Army National Guard.
“We prayed every night and morning for his safety, and we missed him at every family gathering or when tucking his children in at night. It was hard. It hurt. These are challenges most American families never have to face,” Biden said.
“And yet, Jill and I were constantly in awe when visiting with wounded service members at Christmas or hosting veterans in our home for dinners, at the pride our military members and veterans feel in their service, and at their matchless sense of duty,” he added. “They are the absolute best of our country.”
– Rebecca Morin
President Donald Trump paid Veterans Day respects Wednesday with the traditional wreath-laying at Arlington National Cemetery, his first public event in nearly a week.
Trump, who has stayed out of the public eye while contesting Joe Biden's election, did not make remarks at the annual National Day of Observance. As rain fell, the president placed a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
Neither Trump nor Vice President Mike Pence wore a mask. Arlington National Cemetery said in a Twitter post that "all visitors are to follow social distancing requirements and wear face coverings while on cemetery grounds. Anyone not having a face covering in their possession at cemetery entry points will not be granted access to the cemetery."
Veterans Day: On Veterans Day, how President-elect Biden's plan for the Pentagon differs from Trump
Since Election Day, aside from some weekend rounds of golf, Trump has appeared in public only twice, both angry speeches denouncing the election and pledging legal fights against the process that elected Biden.
Meanwhile, the normally outspoken Trump has spent his time inside the White House talking with aides, watching news reports, and tweeting complaints about the election.
– David Jackson
Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger, a Republican, said Wednesday the state would conduct a hand recount of presidential election results in every county because of the close margin.
President Donald Trump’s campaign requested a hand recount Tuesday.
Rep. Doug Collins, R-Ga., who leads the campaign’s recount effort, said Tuesday the recount was necessary because of “widespread allegations of voter irregularities,” though he did not present evidence.
President-elect Joe Biden currently holds on to a roughly 14,000-vote lead in the state, or 0.3%. Under Georgia law, candidates can request a recount if the margin of victory is less than 0.5%.
"We're doing this because it's what makes the most sense with the national significance of this race and the closeness of this race," Raffensperger said after being asked whether the hand recount was being done because of the request from the Trump campaign.
The state expects to complete the recount and certify its results by Nov. 20, he said. Georgia pays for recounts.
Raffensperger applauded the Justice Department and Attorney General Barr's efforts to probe possible fraud, noting the federal government has additional resources that his office does not. "We want to make sure that the only people that vote are legal voters," he added.
He encouraged those with knowledge of any election fraud to come forward.
Georgia’s two incumbent Republican senators, Kelly Loeffler and David Perdue, issued a statement Monday calling on Raffensperger to resign over his handling of the state’s close election, alleging misconduct in his election administration.
Raffensperger said in a statement, although the senators had called for him to be fired, "that is not going to happen. The voters of Georgia hired me, and the voters will be the one to fire me."
– Nicholas Wu and Christal Hayes
Republican Sen. Dan Sullivan has been reelected to his Alaska seat, holding off a challenge from Independent Al Gross.
The race was thought to be an uphill battle for Democrats, as Trump carried Alaska by nearly 15 points in 2016, but Trump’s handling of the pandemic and Sullivan’s narrow victory in 2014 put his seat on a list of potential pickups for liberals. President Donalrump was also declared the winner of the state.
The race was one of the last chances for Democrats to take one of the two wins they need in order to take control of the Senate majority. The call in Alaska means the last remaining chances lie in Georgia, where two seats are up for grabs and will be decided in runoff elections in January – leaving the Senate majority unclear for weeks. Georgia has historically been a red state but Biden is currently leading as a recount starts due to the close margin between him and Trump.
Democrats bested Republicans in Colorado, where John Hickenlooper beat Republican Sen. Cory Gardner, and in Arizona, where Sen. Martha McSally was defeated by Democrat Mark Kelly. But the party faced a setback in Alabama, where Republicans captured the Senate seat held by Sen. Doug Jones and continued to see losses across the country, including in states where Democrats were polling much better than incumbent Republicans.
– Christal Hayes
Two Republican governors from traditionally Democratic-leaning states slammed President Donald Trump on Tuesday for delaying the transition to President-elect Joe Biden.
In Maryland, Gov. Larry Hogan said there was no evidence of widespread voter fraud as the president and his allies have alleged, and told reporters Trump’s challenges to the election were “really dangerous” during the pandemic and economic recession.
Hogan said he had not “seen anything that would in any way change the outcome of the election.”
“We've got to move on," said Hogan.
Hogan wrote in Ronald Reagan on his presidential ballot in 2020 and put his father, former Rep. Lawrence Hogan, on his ballot in 2016.
And in Massachusetts, Gov. Charlie Baker said Trump’s allegations of voter fraud were “baseless,” and called Trump’s employment of the Department of Justice to investigate voting irregularities “wildly inappropriate.”
“I can’t think of a worse time to stall a transition than amid a deadly pandemic,” he said.
Baker left his presidential ballot blank in 2020, just as he did in 2016.
Republican lawmakers in Congress have mostly supported Trump’s refusal to concede the election. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said Monday that Trump was “100% within his rights to look into allegations of irregularities and weigh his legal options."
– Nicholas Wu
President Donald Trump and Vice President Mike Pence will appear together at Arlington National Cemetery outside Washington for a Veterans Day event on Wednesday as the pair refuses to concede the presidential election to Joe Biden.
The two will appear together publicly after President-elect Biden was projected as the winner of the presidential election over the weekend. The president has refused to concede and his allies are challenging election results in key swing states, claiming fraud, despite there being no evidence of widespread wrong.
Biden will meet with transition advisors Wednesday as he continues to chart out his transition ahead of Inauguration Day on Jan. 20. On Tuesday, he said Trump's unwillingness to concede isn't slowing down his transition.
"I just think it's an embarrassment, quite frankly," Biden said of Trump. "How can I say this tactfully? I think it will not help the president's legacy."
– Sean Rossman
The Pennsylvania Secretary of State said Tuesday that around 10,000 ballots arrived after Election Day but by Nov. 6.
This is significant as a lawsuit from the Trump campaign criticizes the three-day extension of the deadline for receiving absentee and mail votes, from Election Day until Nov. 6.
2020: Was Biden's win over Trump a landslide? Narrow? A look at previous elections
That change, recommended by the secretary of state's office and upheld by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court, is now the subject of a state GOP request for an emergency injunction by the U.S. Supreme Court.
Even if those approximately 10,000 ballots were all rejected, Biden would still win Pennsylvania. He is currently leading in the state by more than 47,000 votes.
– Savannah Behrmann
Veterans Day: On Veterans Day, how President-elect Biden's plan for the Pentagon differs from Trump
Sen. Chris Coons, D-Del., said Tuesday his GOP colleagues are privately asking him to congratulate Biden on winning the election, because they can't publicly do so.
Coons told CNN it's "past time for Republican leaders to stand up and say, 'We should accept the results of this election.' "
"They call me to say, you know, 'Congratulations, please convey my well wishes to the President-elect, but I can't say that publicly yet,'" Coons said of his Republican colleagues, though he didn't cite any Republicans by name.
Despite passing the 270 electoral votes needed to become the 46th president of the United States, most GOP senators are refusing to publicly acknowledge Biden as the President-Elect.
– Savannah Behrmann
Bill Barr: Attorney General William Barr's election fraud memo brings new storm to Justice Department


usatoday--2020-11-12--CMA Awards 2020: Rascal Flatts out after a member of the nominated group tests positive for COVID-19

Country group Rascal Flatts joined a growing list of artists who exited the CMA Awards at the 11th hour due @ @ @ @ @ result .
The band posted to social media Wednesday a half-hour into the broadcast that @ @ @ @ @ as scheduled .
An unidentified member of the band tested positive , per a statement @ @ @ @ @ The 2020 vocal group of the year nominee was scheduled to perform `` Bless this @ @ @ @ @ As much as we were looking forward to performing at the CMA Awards tonight , @ @ @ @ @ attending in the interest of everyone ’ s safety , '' the statement said .
@ @ @ @ @ moments have happened on the CMA Awards stage , and we can not wait to @ @ @ @ @ A and 2019 CMA musician of the year Jenee Fleenor also bowed out of the @ @ @ @ @ .
Positive COVID-19 tests forced Lee Brice and Florida Georgia Line to cancel their performances @ @ @ @ @ the show .

Matthew Leimkuehler, Nashville Tennessean

CMA Awards 2020: Rascal Flatts out after a member of the nominated group tests positive for COVID-19
Show Caption Hide Caption 2020 CMA Awards: The best moments of the night, winners Maren Morris, Luke Combs, and Eric Church were the big winners at this year’s CMA Awards, which took place on November 11. unbranded - Entertainment, unbranded - Entertainment
Country group Rascal Flatts joined a growing list of artists who exited the CMA Awards at the 11th hour due to a positive COVID-19 test result.
The band posted to social media Wednesday a half-hour into the broadcast that it would not be performing as scheduled. An unidentified member of the band tested positive, per a statement posted to social media.
The 2020 vocal group of the year nominee was scheduled to perform "Bless this Broken Road."
"As much as we were looking forward to performing at the CMA Awards tonight, we will no longer be attending in the interest of everyone’s safety," the statement said. "Some of our favorite moments have happened on the CMA Awards stage, and we cannot wait to return."
Trio Lady A and 2019 CMA musician of the year Jenee Fleenor also bowed out of the show at the last minute. Positive COVID-19 tests forced Lee Brice and Florida Georgia Line to cancel their performances in the days prior to the show.
CMA AWARDS: Who's performing? A list of artists and songs


usatoday--2020-11-12--The faraway Pacific island nation of Vanuatu has its first case of COVID-19. A man brought it back f

A small Pacific island nation has recorded its first case of the novel coronavirus , shortening the list of places untouched by the global pandemic .
Vanuatu , a country of just under 300,000 people located in the south Pacific Ocean , according to the CIA , reported its first COVID-19 case on Tuesday .
The positive test was recorded in a Vanuatu citizen who returned to the nation from a `` higher-risk location '' in the United States , the country 's health ministry reported .
The case was an asymptomatic 23-year-old man who returned to Vanuatu from the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Vanuatu 's health ministry .
He was physically distanced from other passengers on the plane and `` personal protection measures were applied and maintained during the flight , throughout the arrival process , during transport to and during registration at the quarantine facility , '' the ministry said in a statement .
Lockdown in North Denmark : Mutated coronavirus infects minks being farmed for fur The ministry added : `` The person had been identified during pre-travel registration as traveling from a higher-risk location , therefore was seated separately at the back of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ separately from other arriving passengers , '' the ministry said in a news release .
The man did n't share a room with anyone else while at the quarantine facility , according to the health ministry .
He also `` adhered to all appropriate measures throughout the travel and quarantine . ''
The one positive test is not considered an outbreak .
Coronavirus Watch : Hospitalizations have risen almost 50 % in the last two weeks The CIA describes Vanuatu as a group of islands with a comparative area `` slightly larger than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about three-quarters of the way from Hawaii to Australia , '' according to the agency .
There are few remaining places in the world that have n't reported positive COVID-19 cases , according to the World Health Organization in its `` Situation by Country , Territory & Area '' table on its website .
They are almost all remote locations , including the Federated States of Micronesia , Nauru , Samoa and Tonga .
There are more than 52 million cases worldwide , including more than 10 million in the U.S. , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ data collected by Johns Hopkins University .

The faraway Pacific island nation of Vanuatu has its first case of COVID-19. A man brought it back from US.
Show Caption Hide Caption COVID-19: Pfizer's vaccine candidate shown to be 90% effective Pfizer and BioNTech released early study results indicating that their vaccine prevented more than 90% of infections with the virus that causes COVID-19. USA TODAY
A small Pacific island nation has recorded its first case of the novel coronavirus, shortening the list of places untouched by the global pandemic.
Vanuatu, a country of just under 300,000 people located in the south Pacific Ocean, according to the CIA, reported its first COVID-19 case on Tuesday. The positive test was recorded in a Vanuatu citizen who returned to the nation from a "higher-risk location" in the United States, the country's health ministry reported.
The case was an asymptomatic 23-year-old man who returned to Vanuatu from the U.S. on Nov. 4, according to Vanuatu's health ministry.
He was physically distanced from other passengers on the plane and "personal protection measures were applied and maintained during the flight, throughout the arrival process, during transport to and during registration at the quarantine facility," the ministry said in a statement.
Lockdown in North Denmark: Mutated coronavirus infects minks being farmed for fur
The ministry added: "The person had been identified during pre-travel registration as traveling from a higher-risk location, therefore was seated separately at the back of the plane and was screened and transported separately from other arriving passengers," the ministry said in a news release.
The man didn't share a room with anyone else while at the quarantine facility, according to the health ministry. He also "adhered to all appropriate measures throughout the travel and quarantine." The one positive test is not considered an outbreak.
Coronavirus Watch: Hospitalizations have risen almost 50% in the last two weeks
The CIA describes Vanuatu as a group of islands with a comparative area "slightly larger than Connecticut." It's located "about three-quarters of the way from Hawaii to Australia," according to the agency.
There are few remaining places in the world that haven't reported positive COVID-19 cases, according to the World Health Organization in its "Situation by Country, Territory & Area" table on its website. They are almost all remote locations, including the Federated States of Micronesia, Nauru, Samoa and Tonga.
There are more than 52 million cases worldwide, including more than 10 million in the U.S., the most of any country, according to data collected by Johns Hopkins University.


usatoday--2020-11-12--'Election workers are tired': Georgia officials brace for hand recount of tight presidential race

AUGUSTA , Ga. – Four days after Joe Biden won the electoral votes needed to become president , the process of certifying results hit another speed-bump Wednesday .
Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger announced a hand recount of all votes in the presidential election , sending elections officials across Georgia scrambling to adjust their post-election plans .
Raffensperger said a hand tally of “ every single , lawfully cast legal ballot ” was needed because of the slim 14,112-vote margin between President Donald Trump and President-elect Biden .
The recount must be completed by Nov. 20 .
“ With @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a full , by-hand recount in each county , ” he said .
The Trump campaign requested a recount Tuesday , and Georgia has remained in the post-Election Day limelight with two U.S. Senate seats headed to a January runoff .
More : Was Biden 's win over Trump a landslide ?
Narrow ?
A look at previous elections While no claims of vote fraud or election mismanagement have been substantiated , Raffensperger 's announcement came the day after Georgia ’ s two U.S. senators demanded his resignation .
Raffensperger is a Republican @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Kelly Loeffler , who each landed in Jan. 5 runoffs after neither received a majority of votes last week .
Raffensperger said a hand recount of the “ English written word ” – meaning reading candidate names off the ballots – will demonstrate what the state ’ s new voting system can do .
The highly touted system chosen by a Republican administration prints a list of a voter ’ s candidate choices along with a bar code containing results counted by a scanner .
“ For the first time in 18 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ something to count instead of just pressing a button and getting the same answer , ” Raffensperger said .
The recount results will stand for certification , he said .
`` That will be the last count – that will be the most accurate count , '' he said .
He also said he believes a candidate could still request a recount after certification .
How the recount would work Richmond County Elections Director Lynn Bailey , who served on the state commission that selected Georgia ’ s new voting system , said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of a planned Thursday audit , done largely by hand , to include all ballots .
Biden ’ s slim lead might have required a sample size of 75 % to 80 % of ballots , she said .
The office had hired 14 people to pull and count an estimated 500 ballots for the audit , a process that would take two days , and it ’ s not clear how many it will need to manually count Richmond ’ s 87,530 ballots cast , Bailey said .
To conduct the hand-recount @ @ @ @ @ @ @ workers – drawn from Richmond ’ s pool of 470 poll workers – will take each batch of ballots , “ sort them out by piles ” based on the candidate selected , then “ count the number of pieces of paper ” in each pile .
More : Election 2020 live updates : Bolton says Republicans 'coddling ' Trump , Georgia will do hand recount Once counted , the results will be compared with the county ’ s results from election night , she said .
Bringing in humans doesn ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be performed correctly .
`` Any time you inject humans in a process , that ’ s when things get imperfect , ” she said .
Ensuring an accurate hand count means the recount might not make the Nov. 20 deadline , Bailey said .
“ The object and the goal is to have this completed by next Friday , but we won ’ t meet that date at the sacrifice of accuracy , ” she said .
The recount will add to the county ’ s burgeoning 2020 election expense , which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , increasing it to as much as $ 750,000 , she said .
Some Georgia elections directors said they learned of the recount plan not long before Raffensperger announced it .
They were awaiting guidance on how to proceed , including how to pay for the massive undertaking .
“ People will be working lots of overtime , ” Raffensperger said .
“ They will be really pleased with those paychecks.
” Chatham County Elections Supervisor Russell Bridges said he had no specific information about the nature of the hand recount .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ how we ’ re going to execute this , it ’ s premature to say how it ’ s going to run , ” Bridges said .
“ ( Thursday ) we will get the details of what we need to know.
” Having overseen a hand recount before , Bridges said that the process is inherently more labor-intensive than recounting the ballots with scanning devices .
“ I have a machine that can count 60 ballots a minute , ” Bridges said .
“ The hand recount ’ s going to replace @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to take longer.
” One Augusta elections observer doubted a manual count of the nearly 5 million ballots could be completed by Nov. 20 , the state ’ s deadline to certify election results .
“ If you ’ re doing a hand-recount of the whole state of Georgia with each county doing it , it will take three months , ” said Democrat Moses Todd , a former Augusta commissioner .
Ultimately , the recount wo n't change the election outcomes , predicted University of Georgia political science professor Charles Bullock .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ results in battleground states have n't gone far '' It 's like when you retrace your steps hoping to find something you 've lost , `` he said .
The hand recount is more subject to human error , especially now .
Because of that human error , the final numbers wo n't be exactly the same – but not nearly different enough to close the 14,100-vote gap between Biden and Trump , Bullock predicted .
What GOP officials may be trying to do is find absentee votes for which they can not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Barbee , a longtime Republican official from Augusta .
The absentee ballot total was much higher for Biden .
“ That ’ s what they must think has happened , ” he said .
“ Poll workers ran them through the counter again.
” Locating paper ballots for each vote will “ take a while , ” and votes missing a paper ballot will be called into question if not discarded , he said .

'Election workers are tired': Georgia officials brace for hand recount of tight presidential race
Show Caption Hide Caption Georgia Sec. of State calls for hand recount of votes Georgia election officials have announced an audit of presidential election results that will trigger a full hand recount. Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger said Wednesday that the process will begin this week. (Nov. 11) AP
AUGUSTA, Ga. – Four days after Joe Biden won the electoral votes needed to become president, the process of certifying results hit another speed-bump Wednesday.
Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger announced a hand recount of all votes in the presidential election, sending elections officials across Georgia scrambling to adjust their post-election plans.
Raffensperger said a hand tally of “every single, lawfully cast legal ballot” was needed because of the slim 14,112-vote margin between President Donald Trump and President-elect Biden. The recount must be completed by Nov. 20.
“With a margin so close I will require a full, by-hand recount in each county,” he said.
The Trump campaign requested a recount Tuesday, and Georgia has remained in the post-Election Day limelight with two U.S. Senate seats headed to a January runoff.
More: Was Biden's win over Trump a landslide? Narrow? A look at previous elections
While no claims of vote fraud or election mismanagement have been substantiated, Raffensperger's announcement came the day after Georgia’s two U.S. senators demanded his resignation. Raffensperger is a Republican, as are Sens. David Perdue and Kelly Loeffler, who each landed in Jan. 5 runoffs after neither received a majority of votes last week.
Raffensperger said a hand recount of the “English written word” – meaning reading candidate names off the ballots – will demonstrate what the state’s new voting system can do.
The highly touted system chosen by a Republican administration prints a list of a voter’s candidate choices along with a bar code containing results counted by a scanner.
“For the first time in 18 years we’re going to have something to count instead of just pressing a button and getting the same answer,” Raffensperger said.
The recount results will stand for certification, he said. "That will be the last count – that will be the most accurate count," he said. He also said he believes a candidate could still request a recount after certification.
How the recount would work
Richmond County Elections Director Lynn Bailey, who served on the state commission that selected Georgia’s new voting system, said the hand-recount effectively increases the sample size of a planned Thursday audit, done largely by hand, to include all ballots.
Biden’s slim lead might have required a sample size of 75% to 80% of ballots, she said.
The office had hired 14 people to pull and count an estimated 500 ballots for the audit, a process that would take two days, and it’s not clear how many it will need to manually count Richmond’s 87,530 ballots cast, Bailey said.
To conduct the hand-recount, Bailey said an expanded number of workers – drawn from Richmond’s pool of 470 poll workers – will take each batch of ballots, “sort them out by piles” based on the candidate selected, then “count the number of pieces of paper” in each pile.
More: Election 2020 live updates: Bolton says Republicans 'coddling' Trump, Georgia will do hand recount
Once counted, the results will be compared with the county’s results from election night, she said. Bringing in humans doesn’t necessarily improve accuracy and needs time to be performed correctly.
"Any time you inject humans in a process, that’s when things get imperfect,” she said.
Ensuring an accurate hand count means the recount might not make the Nov. 20 deadline, Bailey said.
“The object and the goal is to have this completed by next Friday, but we won’t meet that date at the sacrifice of accuracy,” she said.
The recount will add to the county’s burgeoning 2020 election expense, which was budgeted at $160,000 last year, increasing it to as much as $750,000, she said.
Some Georgia elections directors said they learned of the recount plan not long before Raffensperger announced it. They were awaiting guidance on how to proceed, including how to pay for the massive undertaking.
“People will be working lots of overtime,” Raffensperger said. “They will be really pleased with those paychecks.”
A labor-intensive process
Chatham County Elections Supervisor Russell Bridges said he had no specific information about the nature of the hand recount.
“Until we get some clear guidance on how we’re going to execute this, it’s premature to say how it’s going to run,” Bridges said. “(Thursday) we will get the details of what we need to know.”
Having overseen a hand recount before, Bridges said that the process is inherently more labor-intensive than recounting the ballots with scanning devices.
“I have a machine that can count 60 ballots a minute,” Bridges said. “The hand recount’s going to replace that. … It’s going to take longer.”
One Augusta elections observer doubted a manual count of the nearly 5 million ballots could be completed by Nov. 20, the state’s deadline to certify election results.
“If you’re doing a hand-recount of the whole state of Georgia with each county doing it, it will take three months,” said Democrat Moses Todd, a former Augusta commissioner.
Ultimately, the recount won't change the election outcomes, predicted University of Georgia political science professor Charles Bullock.
More: Most Republican lawsuits challenging election results in battleground states haven't gone far
"It's like when you retrace your steps hoping to find something you've lost, " he said.
The hand recount is more subject to human error, especially now.
"Election workers are tired," Bullock said.
Because of that human error, the final numbers won't be exactly the same – but not nearly different enough to close the 14,100-vote gap between Biden and Trump, Bullock predicted.
What GOP officials may be trying to do is find absentee votes for which they cannot locate a paper ballot, said David Barbee, a longtime Republican official from Augusta. The absentee ballot total was much higher for Biden.
“That’s what they must think has happened,” he said. “Poll workers ran them through the counter again.”
Locating paper ballots for each vote will “take a while,” and votes missing a paper ballot will be called into question if not discarded, he said.
Contributing: Rebecca Morin, USA TODAY; Lee Shearer, Athens Banner-Herald; Nicholas Robertson, Savannah Morning News


usatoday--2020-11-11--Indians' Shane Bieber unanimous winner of AL Cy Young Award

Cleveland Indians right-hander Shane Bieber won the 2020 American League Cy Young Award on Wednesday , becoming the AL 's first unanimous choice since Justin Verlander in 2011 by receiving all 30 first-place votes for 210 points from the Baseball Writers ' Association of America .
Bieber went 8-1 with a 1.63 ERA and 122 strikeouts in 77⅓ innings , helping the Indians reach the postseason for the fourth time in five years .
In all , Bieber led the majors in wins , ERA , strikeouts , FIP ( 2.07 ) and K/9 ( 14.2 ) and is the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Triple Crown ( ERA , wins , strikeouts ) .
Kenta Maeda ( 92 points ) of the Minnesota Twins and the Toronto Blue Jays ' Hyun-jin Ryu ( 51 points ) finished second and third , respectively , in the AL voting .
His 14.2 strikeouts per nine innings is the highest single-season ratio in history among players to have qualified for the ERA title – albeit in a shortened season .
Bieber struck out at least 10 batters in eight of his 12 starts and was unbeaten until his 10th outing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a .167 average against Bieber , the best mark in the AL .
The 25-year-old becomes the fifth Indians pitcher to win the award , joining Gaylord Perry ( 1972 ) , CC Sabathia ( 2007 ) , Cliff Lee ( 2008 ) and Corey Kluber ( 2014 , 2017 ) .
NL CY YOUNG : Bauer becomes first pitcher in Reds history to win Bieber was a fourth-round pick in 2016 and made his big-league debut in 2018 , before hitting his stride as a sophomore in 2019 .
He was named @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and finished fourth in Cy Young voting , going 15-8 with a 3.28 ERA and 259 strikeouts .

Indians' Shane Bieber unanimous winner of AL Cy Young Award
Cleveland Indians right-hander Shane Bieber won the 2020 American League Cy Young Award on Wednesday, becoming the AL's first unanimous choice since Justin Verlander in 2011 by receiving all 30 first-place votes for 210 points from the Baseball Writers' Association of America.
Bieber went 8-1 with a 1.63 ERA and 122 strikeouts in 77⅓ innings, helping the Indians reach the postseason for the fourth time in five years. In all, Bieber led the majors in wins, ERA, strikeouts, FIP (2.07) and K/9 (14.2) and is the first pitcher since 2011 to win the Triple Crown (ERA, wins, strikeouts).
Kenta Maeda (92 points) of the Minnesota Twins and the Toronto Blue Jays' Hyun-jin Ryu (51 points) finished second and third, respectively, in the AL voting.
2020 AL Cy Young: Shane Bieber, Indians
Full voting details: https://t.co/AYYBImvlXc — BBWAA (@officialBBWAA) November 11, 2020
His 14.2 strikeouts per nine innings is the highest single-season ratio in history among players to have qualified for the ERA title – albeit in a shortened season.
Bieber struck out at least 10 batters in eight of his 12 starts and was unbeaten until his 10th outing of the season. Opposing hitters had a .167 average against Bieber, the best mark in the AL.
The 25-year-old becomes the fifth Indians pitcher to win the award, joining Gaylord Perry (1972), CC Sabathia (2007), Cliff Lee (2008) and Corey Kluber (2014, 2017).
NL CY YOUNG: Bauer becomes first pitcher in Reds history to win
AL ROY: Mariners outfielder wins award unanimously
Bieber was a fourth-round pick in 2016 and made his big-league debut in 2018, before hitting his stride as a sophomore in 2019. He was named MVP of the All-Star Game in Cleveland and finished fourth in Cy Young voting, going 15-8 with a 3.28 ERA and 259 strikeouts.
“Today’s a good day regardless,” Bieber said. “It just makes it that much better that we were able to take this thing home and that it was unanimous.”


usatoday--2020-11-11--Opinion: When SEC commissioner is 'troubled' by COVID-19 impact on college football, we must listen

SEC commissioner Greg Sankey is college football ’ s most disciplined , careful messenger , a man who has conditioned himself to reduce every thought in his head to its most bland , non-controversial form for public consumption .
He is the Dikembe Mutombo of swatting away hypotheticals , and his answers to most questions are meant to be as satisfying as 50-calorie beer .
So when Sankey suggests that the college football season is in some real trouble , as he did Wednesday during a media conference call , it ’ s probably wise to pay attention .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ re ) troubled by what ’ s happened this week , ” Sankey said .
“ There ’ s still an opportunity to focus on ( Dec. ) 19th , but we have to adjust further within our programs to maintain the health that we did such a great job of early on.
” More : 'Maybe some do n't want to play : ' Lane Kiffin reacts to SEC football COVID-19 postponements More : Bowl projections : Notre Dame joins the College Football Playoff , giving the ACC two teams The reference @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the SEC championship game in Atlanta , which seemed on track to happen as scheduled until the Week from COVID-19 Hell .
But just over the last several days , four games that were supposed to be played this Saturday had to be postponed due to positives tests and contact tracing issues at Missouri , Texas A & M , Auburn , Mississippi State and LSU .
One more game , Vanderbilt at Kentucky , has been in doubt but seemingly will be played pending further tests this week .
Meanwhile , Arkansas @ @ @ @ @ @ @ head coach Sam Pittman , who tested positive on Monday .
“ In normal times our experience this week would be nothing short of extraordinary , ” Sankey said .
“ This year , with nothing being ordinary , this is a week unlike any other .
I ’ ve repeatedly said the circumstances around the virus will guide our decisions .
The reality is the virus , in some circumstances , determines our direction.
” There ’ s no clear answer why the SEC , which has been testing players and coaches @ @ @ @ @ @ @ while now , has suddenly become the center of the COVID universe in college sports .
Multiple factors likely had a hand in it , tracking right alongside the spike in cases nationally .
One popular theory swirling in college sports circles is that some players let down their guard over Halloween weekend and that the cases have subsequently been incubating in their football facilities over the last 10 days .
A few SEC teams who had recent bye weeks also allowed players to go home for a few days , which might @ @ @ @ @ @ @ friends and relatives who aren ’ t in their quasi-bubble on campus .
Alabama coach Nick Saban said he had serious reservations about letting players go home , but didn ’ t have the stomach to tell them they couldn ’ t .
“ Everyone trusts their family , ” Saban said .
“ I trust my family .
But no one knows where Uncle Tommy has been .
You have to be careful.
” In a way , perhaps it ’ s a minor miracle the SEC and much of college football @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all the public confidence administrators were projecting in May , June and July , about being able to pull off a season , many of them would privately acknowledge that it was going to be a logistical mess and might not get off the ground at all .
That ’ s not just about the number of positive tests , which has been a major issue at some schools , but also the cascading impact of contact tracing requirements being managed by local health departments , which can sideline multiple players who may @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , when the SEC established that teams needed to have 53 scholarship players available to play including one quarterback , seven offensive linemen and four defensive linemen , those numbers don ’ t just take COVID-19 into account .
Between opt-outs , suspensions and injuries , it doesn ’ t take much of an outbreak to drop a team below the line .
While Auburn is dealing with 10 positive cases this week , according to coach Gus Malzahn , Texas A & M only has two and still can ’ t play @ @ @ @ @ @ @ without any positives , ” Malzahn said .
“ But we knew there was probably going to be a week or so we had to deal with things.
” Indeed , everyone went into this season understanding that disruptions were going to be the norm and that teams could end up playing an unequal number of games or perhaps even play different opponents than they anticipated based on availability .
But the urgency of Sankey ’ s words related to this week ’ s events was notable because that ’ s not the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He even admitted at one point , he would have only felt comfortable about reaching the finish line if the SEC could get through Thanksgiving without a major mess .
The SEC may not be able to get all this week ’ s postponed games in — there ’ s no obvious landing spot for Alabama-LSU , for instance — but most of the league has already played six games .
After this weekend , there are four Saturdays left until Dec. 19 .
It ’ s doable , but there ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of course , with the coronavirus is still in charge , there ’ s no guarantee we won ’ t be doing this again next week and the week after that .
The reality for college football as we get into mid-November is that the No .
1 ( Alabama ) , No .
3 ( Ohio State ) and No .
6 ( Texas A & M ) teams in the Amway Coaches Poll have had games canceled or postponed this weekend and the No .
4 team ( Clemson ) didn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ last two weeks due to a COVID-19 infection .
We don ’ t remotely have control of this situation as a country , and we certainly don ’ t in college football .
The fact someone as cautious as Sankey acknowledged how fragile the next month or so could be is a flashing red siren for the sport .
The finish line of the season may not be that many weeks away , but getting there is going to be a white-knuckle ride .

Opinion: When SEC commissioner is 'troubled' by COVID-19 impact on college football, we must listen
Show Caption Hide Caption Any chance of the college football season shutting down due to the pandemic? USA TODAY Sports' Mackenzie Salmon spoke with Paul Myerberg about the state of college football amid a pandemic. USA TODAY
SEC commissioner Greg Sankey is college football’s most disciplined, careful messenger, a man who has conditioned himself to reduce every thought in his head to its most bland, non-controversial form for public consumption. He is the Dikembe Mutombo of swatting away hypotheticals, and his answers to most questions are meant to be as satisfying as 50-calorie beer.
So when Sankey suggests that the college football season is in some real trouble, as he did Wednesday during a media conference call, it’s probably wise to pay attention.
“I have to acknowledge (we’re) troubled by what’s happened this week,” Sankey said. “There’s still an opportunity to focus on (Dec.) 19th, but we have to adjust further within our programs to maintain the health that we did such a great job of early on.”
More: 'Maybe some don't want to play:' Lane Kiffin reacts to SEC football COVID-19 postponements
More: Bowl projections: Notre Dame joins the College Football Playoff, giving the ACC two teams
The reference to Dec. 19 is the date of the SEC championship game in Atlanta, which seemed on track to happen as scheduled until the Week from COVID-19 Hell.
But just over the last several days, four games that were supposed to be played this Saturday had to be postponed due to positives tests and contact tracing issues at Missouri, Texas A&M, Auburn, Mississippi State and LSU. One more game, Vanderbilt at Kentucky, has been in doubt but seemingly will be played pending further tests this week. Meanwhile, Arkansas will play at Florida this week without head coach Sam Pittman, who tested positive on Monday.
“In normal times our experience this week would be nothing short of extraordinary,” Sankey said. “This year, with nothing being ordinary, this is a week unlike any other. I’ve repeatedly said the circumstances around the virus will guide our decisions. The reality is the virus, in some circumstances, determines our direction.”
Suddenly, that direction isn’t necessarily pointing toward a positive conclusion.
There’s no clear answer why the SEC, which has been testing players and coaches three times a week for quite a while now, has suddenly become the center of the COVID universe in college sports.
Multiple factors likely had a hand in it, tracking right alongside the spike in cases nationally. One popular theory swirling in college sports circles is that some players let down their guard over Halloween weekend and that the cases have subsequently been incubating in their football facilities over the last 10 days.
A few SEC teams who had recent bye weeks also allowed players to go home for a few days, which might or might not have exposed them via friends and relatives who aren’t in their quasi-bubble on campus. Alabama coach Nick Saban said he had serious reservations about letting players go home, but didn’t have the stomach to tell them they couldn’t.
“Everyone trusts their family,” Saban said. “I trust my family. But no one knows where Uncle Tommy has been. You have to be careful.”
In a way, perhaps it’s a minor miracle the SEC and much of college football has even gotten this far. For all the public confidence administrators were projecting in May, June and July, about being able to pull off a season, many of them would privately acknowledge that it was going to be a logistical mess and might not get off the ground at all.
That’s not just about the number of positive tests, which has been a major issue at some schools, but also the cascading impact of contact tracing requirements being managed by local health departments, which can sideline multiple players who may or may not get sick.
Plus, when the SEC established that teams needed to have 53 scholarship players available to play including one quarterback, seven offensive linemen and four defensive linemen, those numbers don’t just take COVID-19 into account. Between opt-outs, suspensions and injuries, it doesn’t take much of an outbreak to drop a team below the line. While Auburn is dealing with 10 positive cases this week, according to coach Gus Malzahn, Texas A&M only has two and still can’t play.
“We had seven straight weeks without any positives,” Malzahn said. “But we knew there was probably going to be a week or so we had to deal with things.”
Indeed, everyone went into this season understanding that disruptions were going to be the norm and that teams could end up playing an unequal number of games or perhaps even play different opponents than they anticipated based on availability.
But the urgency of Sankey’s words related to this week’s events was notable because that’s not the kind of language he typically uses. He even admitted at one point, he would have only felt comfortable about reaching the finish line if the SEC could get through Thanksgiving without a major mess.
“Obviously that’s changed,” he said.
The SEC may not be able to get all this week’s postponed games in — there’s no obvious landing spot for Alabama-LSU, for instance — but most of the league has already played six games. After this weekend, there are four Saturdays left until Dec. 19. It’s doable, but there’s not much runway left.
And, of course, with the coronavirus is still in charge, there’s no guarantee we won’t be doing this again next week and the week after that.
The reality for college football as we get into mid-November is that the No. 1 (Alabama), No. 3 (Ohio State) and No. 6 (Texas A&M) teams in the Amway Coaches Poll have had games canceled or postponed this weekend and the No. 4 team (Clemson) didn’t have its starting quarterback the last two weeks due to a COVID-19 infection.
We don’t remotely have control of this situation as a country, and we certainly don’t in college football. The fact someone as cautious as Sankey acknowledged how fragile the next month or so could be is a flashing red siren for the sport. The finish line of the season may not be that many weeks away, but getting there is going to be a white-knuckle ride.