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Two dozen states are reporting an increase in new daily coronavirus infections, including several states that are breaking record numbers, according to NPR.

Cases mostly trended downward throughout August and most of September after major peaks in July, and now the numbers are moving back up again. Overall, the U.S. reported more than 55,000 new cases on Friday, and the total tally pushed above 7 million this week. The national 7-day average is also increasing.

In Wisconsin, more than 2,800 new cases were reported on Saturday, marking a new record and breaking the previous high of 2,500 cases on Sept. 18, according to Fox 11 in Madison. More than 2,000 cases were reported 3 days in a row.

Gov. Tony Evers declared a new public health emergency and face covering requirement on Tuesday through Nov. 21. Cases declined in August, but the reopening of schools and colleges has led to an increase in cases among students between ages 18-24 in recent weeks.

"Wisconsin is now experiencing unprecedented, near-exponential growth of the number of COVID-19 cases in our state," Evers said Friday in a video posted on Twitter.

"It is critical that we work together now to get this virus under control, not only to protect our campus communities but for the health and safety of Wisconsinites in every corner of the state," he said.

In New York, daily cases passed 1,000 on Saturday for the first time since June 5, according to Bloomberg News.

South Dakota also reported its highest daily total on Saturday with more than 500 new cases. North Dakota, Utah, and Montana set records as well.

New Hampshire reported its first coronavirus-related death in 11 days on Saturday, which was associated with a long-term care facility, according to WMUR. The state reported 38 new cases, and health officials say community-based transmission is happening in every county.

Public health officials expect cases to increase even more throughout the fall, and state leaders are urging people to continue measures to slow the spread of the virus.

"Continue to practice the basic behaviors that drive our ability to fight COVID-19 as we move into the fall and flu season," New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo said in a Saturday update. "Wearing masks, socially distancing, and washing hands make a critical difference."

WebMD Health News © 2020 

Cite this: COVID-19 Cases Going Up in Half of States - Medscape - Sep 29, 2020.