The U.S. blew past another COVID-19 record, reporting more than 153,000 new cases and more than 67,000 hospitalizations on Thursday.

According to Johns Hopkins University, total U.S. cases since the start of the pandemic now top 10.6 million while more than 242,000 people have died from COVID-19.

Health experts predict the pandemic will get worse over the winter as cold weather brings more social gatherings inside. 

While many outbreaks at the beginning of the pandemic were traced to nursing homes and crowded nightclubs, public health officials are seeing more current infections linked to private social gatherings like dinner parties and game nights.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) predicts the country will reach 260,000-282,000 deaths by December 5th, according to its latest forecast. 

The Washington Post reports eighteen states are logging a record number of hospitalizations.

Cases in both Texas and California topped the 1 million mark this week.

Some states and cities are reinstating COVID-19 restrictions to help curb the virus. 

New York is restricting private gatherings to 10 people or less and placed a 10pm curfew on bars, gyms and restaurants.

Chicago, Illinois, has issued a 30 day stay-at-home advisory to take effect November 16th.

But with Thanksgiving two weeks away, officials worry the holiday could bring new outbreaks. 

Some public health experts suggest families stay separated to avoid spreading the virus. Others suggest family members start quarantining now, in case they’ve been exposed.

Although at least one U.S. COVID-19 vaccine candidate is showing more than a 90% effective rate, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services says it will likely be the second quarter of 2021 before vaccines are widely available.

U.S. infectious disease expert Dr. Anthony Fauci says even after vaccines arrive, people will likely need booster shots in subsequent years as the immunity they provide wears off.

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