U.S. Coronavirus Deaths Surpass 250,000 as States Brace for Restriction

The United States' coronavirus death toll reached 250,000 on Wednesday, according to data from Johns Hopkins University. As cases appear to surge nationwide, state leaders across the political spectrum are enforcing stricter lockdowns. California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) sent most of the state back to the most restrictive tier of lockdown, while New York City public schools will close again after the city reached a 3% COVID-19 test positivity rate. North Dakota and Iowa recently issued public mask mandates, and Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt (R) imposed new restrictions on bars and restaurants. The somber death toll milestone was covered by media outlets across the political spectrum.