Italy hits high of nearly 41,000 virus cases

NAPLES, Italy — Italy hit a new high of nearly 41,000 coronavirus cases on Friday.

The regions of Campania and Tuscany were designated red zones, signaling the dire condition of a hospitals struggling with new admissions.

Italy’s new cases reached 650 per 100,000 Italians. Densely populated Campania, which includes Naples, had 4,079 cases. That’s the third-highest daily total behind Lombardy with 10,634 and Piedmont with 5,258, both of which have been red zones since last week. Tuscany added 2,478 cases.

Naples Mayor Luigi de Magistris told The Associated Press that ’’the health system is under massive pressure and on the verge of collapse.”

Italy has confirmed 1.1 million coronavirus cases. The country reported 550 deaths on Friday, bringing the known death toll to more than 44,000.

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HERE’S WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE VIRUS OUTBREAK:

— Dr. Fauci suggests masks at Thanksgiving gatherings

— Italy reaches daily record of nearly 40,000 coronavirus cases

— States ramp up for biggest vaccination drive in US history

— Trump has publicly disengaged from battle against the coronavirus at time when the disease is surging across the United States at an alarming pace.

— Virus ward doctor runs from dawn to dark in Italy, fears the devastation of the coming winter.

— India’s festive mood ahead of Diwali raises fears of increased coronavirus cases.

— Follow AP’s coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/coronavirus-pandemic and https://apnews.com/UnderstandingtheOutbreak

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HERE’S WHAT ELSE IS HAPPENING:

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — California Gov. Gavin Newsom says he and the governors of Oregon and Washington have issued travel advisories urging people to quarantine.

A statement from Newsom’s office Friday says the advisories urge against non-essential out-of-state travel. It recommends people quarantine for 14 days after arriving from another state or country and encourages residents to stay local.

California recently surpassed 1 million coronavirus cases.

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STORRS, Conn. — The University of Connecticut on Friday placed all dormitories under quarantine at its main campus because of rising coronavirus infections.

School officials say all 5,000 residential students will be tested before leaving for the Thanksgiving break.

UConn placed five more dormitories under full quarantine Friday, adding to the five put under full quarantine on Wednesday, according to Eleanor Daugherty, associate vice president and dean of students.

All other residence halls in Storrs are under a “modified” quarantine, meaning students must stay in their dorms but can attend in-person classes and participate in essential research and clinical activities.

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WASHINGTON — Dr. Anthony Fauci is recommending masks at Thanksgiving gatherings if the coronavirus status of people is unknown.

The nation’s top infectious disease expert told “CBS This Morning” that “even if it’s a very small group, to the extent possible, keep the mask on.”

Fauci says if families have either quarantined or been tested for the coronavirus, it’s not as necessary. But he says it’s wise to take precautions.

“There is community spread right now,” he said. “(People)…