Gold slipped on Tuesday to trade below the key $1,800 level due to a stronger dollar, though concerns over surging coronavirus cases around the world and Sino-U.S. tensions put a floor under bullion prices. Spot gold was down 0.2% to $1,798.52 per ounce. U.S. gold futures fell 0.7% to $1,802.20. The dollar index rose 0.1% against its rivals, making gold more expensive for holders of other currencies. More than 13.02 million people have been reported to be infected by the novel coronavirus globally and 569,336? have died, according to a Reuters tally. California Governor Gavin Newsom ordered a massive retrenchment of the state's reopening on Monday, shutting bars and banning indoor restaurant dining statewide and closing churches, gyms and hair salons in hardest-hit counties. Gold is often used as a safe store of value during times of political and financial uncertainty.