LOS ANGELES (AP) — After months of serving as a role model in the fight against COVID-19, California has seen infections race out of control for weeks.
It now has the worst coronavirus diagnosis rate in the U.S. Experts say a variety of factors combined to wipe out California's past efforts, which for much of the year tamped down on surges and kept the virus at manageable levels.
Cramped housing, travel, and Thanksgiving gatherings contributed to the spread, along with the public’s fatigue amid regulations that closed many schools and businesses and encouraged — or required — an isolated lifestyle.
