TOPLINE
The worldwide count reached 300,000 confirmed coronavirus deaths Thursday afternoon, with the U.S. death toll making up almost a third of the global tally with nearly 85,000 deaths as some states continue lift stay-at-home orders.
The U.S. has the most confirmed coronavirus cases and victims, as the worldwide death toll reached … [+] 300,000 Thursday.
Newsday via Getty Images
KEY FACTS
According to a Johns Hopkins University tally, the U.S. had counted for nearly 85,000 of those deaths, and more than 1.4 million cases, the leading nation by far in terms of confirmed coronavirus deaths and positive tests.
New York City is the most affected area in the country and is the global center of the pandemic, with almost more than 15,000 confirmed deaths and a further 5,057 probable deaths that were likely caused by the virus in the five boroughs alone.
U.S. states have still continued with reopening—Wednesday night, Wisconsin bars welcomed back patrons without masks, social distancing or capacity restrictions nearly immediately after the statewide stay-at-home order was struck down by the state’s highest court, as South Florida officials announced on Thursday plans to roll back coronavirus restrictions starting next week.
Following the U.S. in the highest death total is the United Kingdom, Italy, Spain and then France, but Brazil is quickly catching up as Latin America looks to be the next hot spot for viral outbreaks.
KEY BACKGROUND
Worldwide, more than 4.4 million people have tested positive for coronavirus as of Thursday, according to Johns Hopkins University. However, experts believe the true number of infections, along with the death toll, is likely much higher. On Wednesday, officials with the World Health Organization said that even if a coronavirus vaccine is developed—which could be a year away, at best—the virus may still not be eliminated completely and could continue to circulate within communities. Many experts are expecting a second wave of the coronavirus pandemic to hit, possibly in autumn.
FURTHER READING
Dr. Fauci: We Don’t Have Coronavirus Outbreak ‘Completely’ Under Control; Death Toll ‘Likely Higher’ (Forbes)
