[Asia Economy New York=Correspondent Baek Jong-min] The number of confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in the United States has surpassed 60,000. If this trend continues, the U.S. is expected to soon surpass Italy and become the second country with the highest number of COVID-19 cases after China.
CNN reported that as of this morning (Eastern Time), the number of COVID-19 cases in the U.S. was 60,050, an increase of about 7,000 overnight. The death toll stands at 807.
The state of New York, which has become a 'hotspot' for the spread of COVID-19 in the U.S., has exceeded 30,000 cases. Governor Andrew Cuomo announced that the number of COVID-19 infections in New York state has risen to 30,811, including 285 deaths.
More than half of the total U.S. cases have occurred in New York state. Among these, the number of cases in New York City alone exceeds half, at 17,858.
New York state is aggressively expanding COVID-19 testing as infections continue to surge. Although U.S. President Donald Trump openly claims that the number of COVID-19 tests in the U.S. has surpassed that of South Korea, this is largely due to the expanded testing in New York state. New York has even announced plans to restrict vehicle traffic on some roads to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Governor Cuomo also stated that the $2 trillion federal stimulus package is insufficient for New York and called for more active support from the federal government.
In response, President Trump said that artificial respirators and other equipment are being provided to New York state and claimed, "The media is spreading fake news that I dislike Governor Cuomo, but I like Cuomo."
CNN also reported that as of today, 51% of Americans, or 166 million people, are under 'stay-at-home' orders.
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