COVID-19 updates: More than 10,000 new deaths reported in US in 1 week

The U.S. recorded more than 10,100 confirmed COVID-19 related deaths in one week, according to federal data. States with some of the highest death tolls are Texas, Georgia and North Carolina.

The U.S. reported more than 1.02 million cases over the last week. This is a major step back in the fight against COVID-19; in June, the U.S. recorded just 80,000 new cases in one week.

Tennessee and West Virginia currently have the country's highest case rate, followed by Alaska, Wyoming, South Carolina, Montana and Kentucky, according to federal data.

-ABC News' Arielle Mitropoulos

Six lions and three tigers at the Smithsonian's National Zoo have tested presumptive positive for the virus that causes COVID-19, the zoo said.

Last weekend the animals were observed to be coughing, sneezing, fatigued and showing decreased appetites, the zoo said. No other animals are showing symptoms.

"Given the substantial distance between the animals and visitors, the public is not at risk," the zoo said. "The Zoo has conducted a thorough investigation of all staff that were in close proximity to the lions and tigers. There is no evidence to pinpoint the source of the infection."

The animals are being treated with antibiotics for presumptive secondary bacterial pneumonia as well as anti-inflammatories and anti-nausea medication.

A vaccine made specifically for zoo animals is expected to be available in the coming months, the zoo said.

The FDA's independent advisory committee meeting is now underway to debate Pfizer's booster shots. 

After a full day of presentations, Q&A and debate, the committee will vote at about 4:45 p.m. ET on whether a booster dose is safe enough for widespread use and whether it's necessary and effective at improving protection levels against COVID-19.

The vote will be non-binding. The FDA is not required to follow the advisory committee’s recommendations but generally does so. After that vote, the FDA will formally amend its current vaccine approval for Pfizer.

Next week, the matter heads to the CDC’s independent advisory panel whose members will weigh in on who should get a booster and when. The CDC Director will then formally sign off on what the panel recommends.

-ABC News' Sasha Pezenik

The most populous county in Washington state will implement COVID-19 vaccine and testing requirements for indoor dining, large outdoor events and other activities. 

Starting Oct. 25, proof of COVID-19 vaccination will be required for everyone ages 12 and up to enter indoor establishments, including restaurants, bars, gyms and movie theaters, and attend outdoor events with more than 500 people in King County, home to Seattle, officials announced Thursday.

Those who are not vaccinated must show proof of a negative PCR COVID-19 test in the last 72 hours or take a rapid test on site prior to entry. 

"We are at a critical point in this pandemic, with high levels of new COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations, and no certainty as to what will follow the Delta variant," King County Executive Dow Constantine said in a statement. "Vaccination is our best shield against this deadly virus." 

Over 85% of King County residents have received at least their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, according to Constantine.

Lumen Field, home of the NFL's Seattle Seahawks, already required vaccination or a negative test, while the MLB's Seattle Mariners said last week they would institute the same guidelines should they make the playoffs.