The US's weekly average of new coronavirus cases reached an all-time high this week.
Health professionals have reported nearly 72,000 daily infections of COVID-19.
The nation reported its highest-ever daily tally, nearly 84,000 cases, on Friday.
The US has recorded more coronavirus cases this fall than during the entire spring outbreak.
Public-health experts say these circumstances may justify new lockdowns, but many politicians are reticent.
