The number of deaths attributed to the novel coronavirus in the United States has now exceeded 50,000, according to Johns Hopkins University.
The astonishing number comes just days after the death toll rose to over 40,000 earlier this week, although limited testing has proven difficult to track the true number of positive cases and deaths from Covid-19. The Johns Hopkins University tool uses data from multiple local and national health authorities and other sources to track the spread of the disease, including known cases, recoveries, and deaths.
The official numbers from the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, updated as of Thursday afternoon, were not far behind. The Department of Health has put the number of known deaths at just under 49,000 according to its latest record, with the majority of deaths in New York, where the spread of the disease was particularly severe. Governor Andrew Cuomo said Friday that New York state deaths alone have now reached 16,162.
“This is also on an unimaginable level and something is falling off. But it’s still devastating news, ”said Cuomo during his daily press conference. While the state had the lowest number of reported deaths in 24 hours in nearly a month this week, the number reported on Thursday was still 422.
The numbers come as a miracle treatment for the deadly disease failed. In addition, US CDC director Robert Redfield said this week that a second wave of coronaviruses this fall and winter could be “more difficult” if it coincides with the annual flu season – a situation that could severely overburden healthcare System kinks under the current Covid 19 crisis.
After a bizarre hint from President Donald Trump that Redfield had been misquoted, Redfield repeated the concern during a press conference with coronaviruses. The agency’s director added that people in the U.S. need to get their flu vaccines diligently this year, which will be of paramount importance to free up resources for hospitals and healthcare workers who may be fighting the two at the same time.
Selected photo: Getty
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