The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in California has now surpassed New York’s total number as the Golden State becomes the latest hotspot for the virus.

The total number of confirmed coronavirus cases in California has reached over 409,000, while New York stands at just over 408,000 cases as of Wednesday morning, according to Johns Hopkins University. COVID-19 deaths in California were reported at over 7,800, while New York has reported over 32,500 deaths from the virus.

New York, which was the previously the epicenter for the coronavirus, has seen its numbers decrease over the last few weeks, reporting 855 new cases of the virus on Tuesday, while California’s numbers have risen, reaching 11,400 new cases on the same day, the university said.

In a press briefing on Tuesday, Mark Ghaly, California’s health and human services secretary, said he doesn’t “overread into the significance of that number. I look at every day as an opportunity to do better and do more with our response to COVID-19.”

In response to the increase in coronavirus cases in California, Gov. Gavin Newsom has rolled back some of the state’s reopening plans, closing indoor activities in bars, restaurants, movie theaters, and other nonessential businesses.

On Monday, Newsom announced that Californians could have personal care services performed, such as haircuts and manicures, if the salon operated outdoors.

The U.S. has reported over 3.9 million cases of the coronavirus and over 142,000 COVID-19 deaths, according to Johns Hopkins University. Globally there are over 14.9 million cases of the coronavirus with over 617,000 deaths reported, the university said.

Orange County Sheriff Don Barnes has said he won't enforce California's statewide mask order including in cities such as Huntington Beach, seen here on July 16, 2020
Orange County Sheriff Don Barnes has said he won't enforce California's statewide mask order including in cities such as Huntington Beach, seen here on July 16, 2020 AFP / Robyn Beck
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