With the country now averaging  178,945 new cases of COVID-19 in the last 14 days, businesses and schools are once again closing. More than 85,000 COVID patients are being hospitalized nationwide, and states are following protocol and putting restrictions in place as the country looks for ways to better manage the surge in cases.

Though some states are beginning to report less cases, many are concerned in the spike that will arise from people traveling for Thanksgiving and other upcoming holidays. Several travel restrictions have been put in place in hopes to decrease the amount of travelers this holiday season. In Pennsylvania, visitors traveling from states with high numbers of COVID-19 cases are asked to quarantine for 14 days. This currently includes most states in the US.

Scientists are currently working to produce and approve vaccines for the public. Typically, this process takes years, but scientists are looking to have a vaccine available by as soon as next year. Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar said a COVID-19 vaccine could come as soon as December 10, depending on initial authorization.