USA's case tally sprints past 14 million

Wednesday's 2,800 deaths mark deadliest day so far. Accelerating coronavirus transmission likely to push past 15 million infections within the next week. Many areas remain free of anti-virus policies.

The USA recorded 200,000 new COVID cases, nearly 3,000 deaths and more than 100,000 COVID patients in the hospital in the past day. The University of Washington model now projects 470,000 COVID-19 deaths by March 1, 2021. Universal mask policies could reduce that by more than 60,000 deaths. At the current pace, another 10,000 Americans are likely to die from COVID by Monday.

In other news:

• Hackers - suspected to be associated with a foreign government - have been trying to access computer networks involved in COVID-19 vaccine programs, including supply chain and logistics networks.

• With COVID-19 surging statewide, California Gov. Gavin Newsom announced that five of the state’s 11 regions will go into a modified “stay at home” mode in the next few days, whenever ICUs are 85% full. Schools can remain open, but many businesses such as hair salons must close and retailers must limit capacity to 20%. The state also announced additional programs to aid businesses, workers and families affected by the COVID-19 crisis.

• Ever wonder how celebrities and athletes sometimes seem to have access to hard-to-get medical services and other tools? STATNews reports on an emerging black market and ways that some people are angling to jump the line for COVID-19 vaccinations.

• More than 40 people who attended “swingers convention” in New Orleans that organizers touted as COVID-safe have tested positive for the infection.