With two landmark Supreme Court rulings this week paired with the increasing amount of coverage surrounding the Black Lives Matter movement, it is no surprise that news of COVID-19 has fallen out of the headlines. However, it is important to realize that the virus is still widely circulating and claiming hundreds of US lives each day. Here is the latest news on the ongoing global pandemic.

California Mandates Face Coverings

On Thursday, California Gov. Gavin Newsom implemented a new statewide order mandating the use of face coverings in most public places, particularly in settings that are indoors. While California is seeing an uptick in cases, the state is still plowing ahead with its reopening efforts. Earlier this week, it was announced that Disneyland is scheduled to open back to the public in mid-July.

NFL Reacts to Fauci Comments

The National Football League has issued a statement reacting to Dr. Anthony Fauci's comments that football may not happen this year. Dr. Allen Sills, NFL chief medical officer, was clear in his statement that the league would make the necessary adjustments to adapt to the new way of life living through a pandemic. The NFL previously canceled all international games scheduled for this fall. At the current time, some teams are participating in modified training at their facilities.

Trump Acknowledges Risk of COVID-19 at Rally

Despite acknowledging a risk of participants catching the COVID-19 virus, President Donald Trump is still moving forward with his plans to hold a campaign rally on Saturday in Tulsa, Oklahoma. According to the Oklahoma State Department of Health, Tulsa County currently holds the distinction of having the most confirmed cases in the state, raising concern that the rally is not a good idea. While masks will be handed out to attendees, they are not required to wear them inside the arena. The venue can hold up to 20,000 people and is expected to be full.

Heat is On in Arizona

The mercury is not the only thing on the rise in Arizona. As the temperatures inch up, the numbers of confirmed COVID-19 cases are also soaring. On Thursday, state officials reported 2,519 new positive cases, setting a daily record. On the heels of this news, Scottsdale Mayor Jim Lane is working with city officials to develop a mask ordinance. Scottsdale is located in Maricopa County where more than half of the state's cases have been confirmed.

Asymptomatic Patients May Exhibit Weaker Immune Response

A new study published in the journal Nature Medicine on Thursday demonstrates that individuals who test positive for COVID-19 but do not show symptoms may have reduced immunity to the virus. The data derived from the small sample size indicates that antibody levels in asymptomatic patients were significantly lower than those people who tested positive and exhibited symptoms.

Florida Emerging as Concerning Hotspot of Virus Transmission

The Florida Department of Health recorded 3,207 COVID-19 cases on Thursday, setting a new daily record. According to projections from researchers at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and the University of Pennsylvania, Florida is emerging as the next big epicenter of COVID-19 transmission. Over 75% of the intensive care unit hospital beds in the state are now occupied, setting off alarm bells for healthcare officials. Florida has an extremely vulnerable population with many senior citizens and those with underlying health issues calling the Sunshine State home. This population combined with the state's status as a major tourist destination make this a particularly troubling situation.

Renewed Global Lockdowns

Although it once appeared that Germany and China had the virus outbreaks under control, both countries are now grappling with a spike in cases. This spike has led government officials in both areas to renew lockdown measures in an attempt to keep the outbreaks contained. Hundreds of flights arriving and departing from Beijing were canceled on Wednesday as a result of the rise in positive cases. Over 300 households in Berlin are now under mandatory quarantine after an apartment building became a hotbed of transmission.

While it may be tempting to jump back into a normal routine now that so many states are beginning to loosen restrictions, it is important to stay informed and keep on top of the trends in your particular area. Knowledge is power when dealing with the complexities of this deadly virus.