'60,000 Daily Cases' in the US, New COVID-19 Infection Record Again

New COVID-19 Cases Surge Again After Independence Day Holiday
Cumulative Infections Near 3 Million Mark
Despite Declining Fatality Rate, Warning of 77,000 Additional Deaths by November 1

On the 7th, many residents enjoyed swimming at a beach in Florida. [Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy New York=Correspondent Baek Jong-min] The number of new COVID-19 infections in the United States has surpassed 60,000 per day.

According to CNN on the 8th (local time), Johns Hopkins University reported 60,021 new COVID-19 cases in the U.S. on the 7th. This is the highest daily number of new infections recorded in the U.S. since the outbreak began. The previous record was 54,500 cases on the 2nd.

The number of new COVID-19 infections in the U.S. had dropped to the 40,000 range over the past weekend, but this was largely attributed to reduced testing during the Independence Day holiday. As expected, once the holiday ended, a new record of over 60,000 new cases was set.

By state, California reported 13,000 new cases, Texas 10,400, and Florida 7,300. If the current upward trend continues, California is expected to surpass 300,000 total infections this week, becoming the second state after New York to reach this milestone.

Hospitals in infection hotspots such as California, Texas, and Florida are struggling, with intensive care units (ICUs) reaching capacity. In Florida, 56 hospitals have already exceeded their ICU patient capacity.

CNN reported that despite the spread of infections, the mortality rate is decreasing. However, the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) at the University of Washington projected on the 7th that COVID-19 deaths in the U.S. will reach 208,000 by November 1. Considering the current death toll of 131,000, this means approximately 77,000 more deaths are expected. Last month, the university had forecasted 179,000 deaths by October 1, indicating an increase of about 20,000 deaths in just one month. The institute also estimated that if 95% of the U.S. population wore masks, 45,000 deaths could be prevented.

Meanwhile, the cumulative number of COVID-19 cases in the U.S., as counted by Johns Hopkins University, stands at 2,996,333, making it certain that the total will surpass 3 million today.