California becomes first state to hit half a million coronavirus cases

More than half a million people have tested positive for the coronavirus in California, according to data from Johns Hopkins University. California is the first U.S. state to hit 500,000 cases. More than 9,000 people have died from coronavirus in California, and more than 6,000 people are currently in the hospital or an intensive care unit, according to state data published Friday morning. In mid-July, California Governor Gavin Newsom announced new restrictions to try and ease the spread of the virus. Bars, breweries, restaurants, wineries, movie theaters and other indoor businesses that 'encourage mixing of individuals beyond immediate households and make physical distancing and wearing face coverings difficult' were ordered to close. Counties that are on the state's monitoring list for three or more consecutive days were also ordered to close indoor operations, including fitness centers, places of worship, indoor protests, personal care services, salons, and malls.