In this morning's The New Normal show, Dr. David Hirschwerk, infectious disease expert at Northwell Health, joined News 12's Elizabeth Hashagen to discuss the record number of new coronavirus cases in the U.S., the latest on vaccine developments, and the efforts we can take to slow the spread as we head into the winter.

Coronavirus cases climbing in the tri-state are causing new restrictions, and our governors are pleading with the public to take precautions.

This comes as the U.S. smashes records for single day COVID-19 cases. Thursday there were 153,496 new cases, according to Johns Hopkins University. That is the 10th straight day of new cases topping 100,000.

And doctors are alarmed that we are now in the feared second wave of the deadly virus. Dr. Hirschwerk comments on this in the video below:

Hospitalizations for COVID-19 also set a record on Thursday, climbing to 67,096, according to the COVID Tracking Project. It was the third straight day of record numbers, and the figure has doubled in just five weeks.

Deaths are rising, too, with more than 1,000 on average each day. Are we getting the virus under control? Dr. Hirschwerk says no:

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention predicts there will be 260,000 to 282,000 coronavirus deaths by Dec. 5. Dr. Hirschwerk comments on the numbers:

Are we making any strides in hospitalizations to help people that are severely ill with COVID-19? Dr. Hirschwerk comments on the new vaccine, drugs, and the importance of social distancing and mask wearing:

Dr. Hirschwerk talks about the side effects of the Pfizer vaccine:

Click on the video below to watch the full New Normal show: