Some California bars close as U.S. cases soar

Some bars in California remained closed on Monday as coronavirus cases nationwide soar to record levels.

Governor Gavin Newsom on Sunday ordered bars that don't offer dine-in options to close in Los Angeles and six other counties.

The move comes after Texas and Florida on Friday shut all their bars.

Public health officials in California and throughout the United States have identified bars as the riskiest non-essential businesses currently open.

Health officials warn that consuming alcohol reduces inhibitions, which leads to less mask-wearing and social distancing.

People in noisy bars often shout, which spreads droplets more widely.

Even in states where cases have been declining, bars have been a source of outbreaks.

On Sunday, Vice President Mike Pence traveled to Texas, where he told a news conference that Americans should wear masks.

"We encourage everyone to wear a mask in the affected areas," Pence said. "Where you can't maintain social distancing, wearing a mask is just a good idea, especially young people."

To avoid large crowds, some beaches in Florida will close ahead of the July 4 Independence Day holiday weekend.

More than 125,000 have died in the U.S., the most in the world, and more than 2.5 million people tested positive in the U.S.

People under 35 accounted for a large percentage of new cases in many states.