The United States on Thursday witnessed another record surge in COVID-19 cases. More than 77,000 new cases were reported as the number of deaths in 24 hours rose by nearly 1,000, according to a Reuters tally.
The loss of 969 lives was the biggest increase since June 10, with Florida, South Carolina, and Texas all reporting their biggest one-day spikes on Thursday.
More than 1,38,000 Americans have died from COVID-19. The hardest-hit areas in Texas and Arizona are reportedly running out of places to store bodies as their morgues fill up and are bringing in coolers and refrigerated trailers.
U.S. deaths peaked in April when the country lost on average 2,000 people a day. Fatalities have steadily fallen, averaging 1,300 a day in May and under 800 a day in June before rising again in July.
Americans have become increasingly divided on issues such as the reopening of schools and businesses and wearing face masks in public, hindering the fight against the virus.
The current tally of 77,217 cases surpasses the previous record set on Friday when cases rose by 69,070. In June, cases rose by an average of 28,000 a day, according to a Reuters tally. In July, they have risen by an average of 57,625 a day.
Dr. Anthony Fauci, the government’s top infectious diseases expert, has warned that cases could soon top 1,00,000 a day if Americans do not come together to take steps necessary to halt the spread of the virus.
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