WASHINGTON: The US set a new daily record of Covid-19 cases on Tuesday, with more than 248,000 infections recorded in the last 24 hours, the Johns Hopkins University virus monitor reported.
During the same period, 2,706 new deaths were recorded, according to data collected by AFP based on information released by the university.
Coronavirus infections have increased dramatically in the United States in the past month – new daily cases have been recorded at or above 200,000 in 10 of the past 13 days.
The number of hospitalized Covid patients – 113,000 – is also at its highest level since the pandemic began in March, according to data from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
The situation is starting to improve in the Midwest, where the number of new daily cases and hospital admissions is declining.
However, according to the Covid Tracking Project, which collects data from around the country on a daily basis, the epidemic is gaining steam in the Northeast and West.
California, in particular, is struggling with a shortage of available intensive care beds. Fewer than 100 were available Tuesday in the densely populated province of Los Angeles, home to 10 million people.
The major nationwide vaccination campaign launched Monday has no effect on the current rise, health officials say, as it will take months for enough people to be vaccinated to make a difference.
Experts say face masks and measures to distance themselves from society should remain in use, especially during the holiday season at the end of the year.
During the same period, 2,706 new deaths were recorded, according to data collected by AFP based on information released by the university.
Coronavirus infections have increased dramatically in the United States in the past month – new daily cases have been recorded at or above 200,000 in 10 of the past 13 days.
The number of hospitalized Covid patients – 113,000 – is also at its highest level since the pandemic began in March, according to data from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
The situation is starting to improve in the Midwest, where the number of new daily cases and hospital admissions is declining.
However, according to the Covid Tracking Project, which collects data from around the country on a daily basis, the epidemic is gaining steam in the Northeast and West.
California, in particular, is struggling with a shortage of available intensive care beds. Fewer than 100 were available Tuesday in the densely populated province of Los Angeles, home to 10 million people.
The major nationwide vaccination campaign launched Monday has no effect on the current rise, health officials say, as it will take months for enough people to be vaccinated to make a difference.
Experts say face masks and measures to distance themselves from society should remain in use, especially during the holiday season at the end of the year.