US shatters COVID-19 record with over 77,000 cases in a day

The United States is more often than not the record holder in many areas. Not to be outdone by some of the world’s most populous nations, on July 16 it shattered its daily record for COVID-19 by reporting more than 77,000 new cases as the number of deaths in a 24-hour period rose by nearly 1,000, according to reports

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 138,000 Americans have died from COVID-19, a toll that experts warn will likely surge following recent record spikes in case numbers and an alarming rise in hospitalizations in many states.

The hardest-hit areas in Texas and Arizona are running out of places to store bodies as their morgues fill up and are bringing in coolers and refrigerated trailers.

US 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 July 10 when cases rose by 69,070. In June, cases rose by an average of 28,000 a day. In July, they have risen by an average of 57,625 a day.

On July 16, Texas reported over 15,000 new cases, while Florida reported nearly 14,000 new cases and California almost 10,000.

Dr. Anthony Fauci, the government’s top infectious diseases expert, has warned that cases could soon top 100,000 a day if Americans do not come together to take steps necessary to halt the spread of the virus.