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Once a model, California now struggles to tame COVID-19

Virus Outbreak California
Posted at 1:45 AM, Jan 02, 2021
and last updated 2021-01-02 01:45:12-05

BY BRIAN MELLEY, AP — The number of confirmed U.S. coronavirus cases has surpassed 20 million, according to data from Johns Hopkins University.

That’s nearly twice as many as the No. 2 country, India, and nearly one quarter of the more than 83 million cases globally.

California is the hardest-hit state, with the worst coronavirus diagnosis rate in the U.S.

It had served for months as a role model in the fight against COVID-19, but a variety of factors have wiped out California's past efforts.

Cramped housing, travel and Thanksgiving gatherings contributed to the spread, along with the public’s fatigue amid regulations that closed many schools and businesses.