Virus, protests, Trump’s angry words darken US July 4th weekend

The United States marked its Independence Day on Saturday in a somber mood, as a record surge in coronavirus cases, anti-racism protests and an angry speech from President Donald Trump have cast a shadow over what normally are festive celebrations.

Popular beaches on both coasts — normally packed on July 4th — were closed as California and Florida suffer alarming surges in COVID-19 infections.

“You should assume everyone around you is infectious,” Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti warned.

Across the country, Main Street parades have been canceled, backyard barbecues scaled down, and family reunions put off amid worries about spreading the virus on a day when Americans typically celebrate their 1776 declaration of independence from Britain.

Florida said Saturday it had marked a new daily high in confirmed virus cases at 11,458 — far more than any other state — and Miami Beach imposed a curfew and made mask-wearing mandatory in public. Yet some Florida beaches remained open.

The US virus death toll is fast approaching 130,000, roughly one-quarter the world’s total. (AFP)

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