Coronavirus updates: Over 7,000 Americans died in past week

A stay-at-home order in El Paso County, Texas, that has faced legal challenges has been extended through Dec. 1.

"Every day that the county stay-at-home order remains in effect is another day that we can save lives," El Paso County Judge Ricardo Samaniego said Wednesday during a virtual press briefing.

"I've decided to extend the county stay-at-home order until we can regain some stability in our community," he said.

Nonessential businesses will remain closed until 2 a.m. on Dec. 1 under the order.

Currently, slightly more than half of all hospitalizations in El Paso are COVID-19 patients, the judge said. The hard-hit county has also brought in six mobile morgues, with plans to bring in another four, he said. 

Gov. Greg Abbott said Wednesday that the state will be sending more personal protective equipment, increasing bed capacity at an alternative care facility and adding more military personnel as needed in the county.

Samaniego first issued the stay-at-home order at the end of October, calling for a shutdown of nonessential businesses for two weeks. It was immediately met by challenges from state and local leaders, including the Texas attorney general and El Paso mayor. 

Earlier on Wednesday, the Texas Supreme Court denied the state's request to halt the order. The Eighth Court of Appeals is expected to rule on the order this week.

Samaniego said the county stay-at-home order will remain in effect as long as hospitalization rates remain at 30% or higher. 

ABC News' Bonnie McLean, Kevin Kraus and Leah LaRosa contributed to this report

As Ohio sees record numbers of new COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations, Gov. Mike DeWine issued new requirements around mask-wearing and restrictions on social gatherings, including dancing.

"Now we have been warned that when it got colder and drier and people were indoors more, the virus would rise up again," DeWine said during a televised address to Ohioans Wednesday evening. "It certainly has. This surge is much more intense, widespread and dangerous."

Every single county in Ohio has a high rate of virus spread, the governor said, and on Tuesday the state reported its highest number of new COVID-19 cases, with 6,508. Hospitalizations, including the number of patients in intensive care units, have also reached record levels, he said.

To help curb the spread of the virus, DeWine announced that the state's mask mandate will be reissued on Wednesday with three additional provisions: Each business will be required to post a face-covering requirement sign at all public entrances to the store; each store will be responsible for ensuring customers and employees are wearing masks; and a new retail compliance unit will inspect businesses to ensure compliance of the mask order.

A first violation will result in a written warning, while a record will result in the closure of the store for up to 24 hours, the governor said.

"Most retail businesses have done a good job providing a safe place for their employees to work and for their customers to shop. However, it's clear that there is some businesses where mask-wearing simply lacking," he said.  

"We must do this to protect our front-line workers," he said.

The governor also announced "significant restrictions" on social gatherings that will be issued in the next few days, following "rapid spread" of the virus due to events like wedding receptions and funerals.

Under the forthcoming order, "open congregate areas can no longer be open," he said, and people need to be seated and wear masks unless eating or drinking. The order also prohibits activities like dancing and games, he said.

DeWine warned that restaurants, bars and fitness centers may be forced to close if the current trajectory continues. The state will be revisiting a decision on those businesses on Nov. 19, he said.

The governor also pleaded with the public to refrain from hosting and attending gatherings, and to avoid celebrating Thanksgiving with those outside your household or bubble.

"We just need to avoid any unnecessary additional risk right now," he said.

California is experiencing a 42.7% weekly increase in COVID-19 cases.

California has over 984,000 confirmed cases and at least 18,070 fatalities, according to state data.

The seven-day positivity rate stands at 4.3%.

A passenger on board the first cruise to set sail in the Caribbean since the spring has tested positive for the coronavirus, according to The Points Guy (TPG) and another passenger.

The ship is now headed back to Bridgetown, Barbados, where it originated on Saturday.

All passengers were tested before arriving in Barbados and before boarding on Saturday. According to TPG, the passenger felt ill Wednesday and tested positive. All 53 passengers are now quarantined in their rooms. 

The cruise line did not immediately respond to ABC News' request for comment.

ABC News' Sam Sweeney contributed to this report