California has record, two-day death toll as result of coronavirus

California, the country's most populous state, has exceeded 30,000 coronavirus deaths since the beginning of the pandemic almost a year ago. And the state this past weekend recorded a two-day record high of 1,163 total deaths.

Hospitalizations in California have risen to record highs as well, with hospitals reaching capacity and even having to limit emergency patients with little chance of survival.

Cases began to surge in October. Since then, the state has struggled to control the spread of the virus. Deaths have exploded with nearly 10,000 in just a month, with current cases near 50,000, according to the state's COVID-19 tracker. Health officials warn that the situation will worsen throughout January due to the recent holidays.

Los Angeles Public Health Director Barbara Ferrers says the spread reflects unsafe activities in which residents participated during the holidays, which includes travel and visiting family and friends.

“This is just not the time to go to the shopping mall or to a friend’s house to watch a basketball or football game,” she also said.

California has the third-highest deaths in the country with Texas ranks second. New York has the most deaths – 40,000.

New York and California have imposed some of the most strict virus health-safety orders in the country.. 

Some parts of California have been under stay-at-home orders, and the entire state requires those 2 and older to wear a mask outside of their home.