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A dozen states have reported in excess of 200 deaths from the novel coronavirus, including thousands in New York and New Jersey, according to the latest figures from Johns Hopkins University.
The virus, which was first reported in Wuhan, China, has spread to more than 1.4 million people across at least 184 countries and regions. More than 308,000 people have recovered from infection, while over 83,600 have died.
Nearly 13,000 have died in the U.S., the epicenter of the outbreak, which now has more than 401,000 confirmed cases.
New York has the largest death count in the country, with 6,298 deaths. It reported its highest daily death toll of 779 on Wednesday, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo confirmed at a press conference.
New Jersey deaths soared to at least 1,504, according to the latest figures on the New Jersey state government website as of Wednesday, after reporting 232 deaths the previous day, its highest daily figure so far.
The tri-state area of New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut have a combined total of more than 7,000 fatalities among its nearly 191,000 infected people.
Other states with hundreds of reported deaths include Michigan (at least 845 fatalities), Louisiana (at least 582), Washington state (at least 394) and Illinois (380 deaths), according to their respective state health departments.
The country has been warned to brace for a surge in deaths this week. New York, New Jersey, Detroit and other parts of the country are expected to hit their peak number of deaths and hospitalizations this week, Adm. Brett P. Giroir, the Assistant Secretary for Health, warned on Monday.
"We may be seeing the worst upon us right now," Giroir said on NBC's Today show. He also noted that experts believe some parts of the country are "turning a corner because of all of the physical distancing that we're doing."
U.S. states with more than 200 reported deaths
(as of April 8)
- New York—nearly 5,500 deaths, according to Cuomo;
- New Jersey—at least 1,232 deaths, according to the New Jersey state government website;
- Michigan—at least 845, according to the Michigan state government website;
- California—at least 450 deaths, according to the Los Angeles Times report on Sunday;
- Louisiana—at least 582 deaths, according to the Louisiana Department of Health;
- Washington at least 394, according to the state health department's latest report.
- Illinois—at least 380 deaths, according to the Illinois Department of Health;
- Georgia—at least 362 deaths, according to the Georgia Department of Public Health;
- Massachusetts—at least 356 deaths, according to the Massachusetts Department of Health;
- Florida—at least 309 deaths, according to the Florida's state health department;
- Connecticut—at least 277 deaths, according to the Connecticut state government website;
- Pennsylvania—at least 14,945 cases, 250 deaths, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Health;
The graphic below, provided by Statista, illustrates the spread of COVID-19 in the U.S.
Data on COVID-19 cases is from Johns Hopkins University unless otherwise stated.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Advice on Using Face Coverings to Slow Spread of COVID-19
- CDC recommends wearing a cloth face covering in public where social distancing measures are difficult to maintain.
- A simple cloth face covering can help slow the spread of the virus by those infected and by those who do not exhibit symptoms.
- Cloth face coverings can be fashioned from household items. Guides are offered by the CDC. (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/diy-cloth-face-coverings.html)
- Cloth face coverings should be washed regularly. A washing machine will suffice.
- Practice safe removal of face coverings by not touching eyes, nose, and mouth, and wash hands immediately after removing the covering.
World Health Organization advice for avoiding spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19)
Hygiene advice
- Clean hands frequently with soap and water, or alcohol-based hand rub.
- Wash hands after coughing or sneezing; when caring for the sick; before, during and after food preparation; before eating; after using the toilet; when hands are visibly dirty; and after handling animals or waste.
- Maintain at least 1 meter (3 feet) distance from anyone who is coughing or sneezing.
- Avoid touching your hands, nose and mouth. Do not spit in public.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or bent elbow when coughing or sneezing. Discard the tissue immediately and clean your hands.
Medical advice
- Avoid close contact with others if you have any symptoms.
- Stay at home if you feel unwell, even with mild symptoms such as headache and runny nose, to avoid potential spread of the disease to medical facilities and other people.
- If you develop serious symptoms (fever, cough, difficulty breathing) seek medical care early and contact local health authorities in advance.
- Note any recent contact with others and travel details to provide to authorities who can trace and prevent spread of the disease.
- Stay up to date on COVID-19 developments issued by health authorities and follow their guidance.
Mask and glove usage
- Healthy individuals only need to wear a mask if taking care of a sick person.
- Wear a mask if you are coughing or sneezing.
- Masks are effective when used in combination with frequent hand cleaning.
- Do not touch the mask while wearing it. Clean hands if you touch the mask.
- Learn how to properly put on, remove and dispose of masks. Clean hands after disposing of the mask.
- Do not reuse single-use masks.
- Regularly washing bare hands is more effective against catching COVID-19 than wearing rubber gloves.
- The COVID-19 virus can still be picked up on rubber gloves and transmitted by touching your face.
About the writer
Soo Kim is a Newsweek reporter based in London, U.K. She covers various lifestyle stories, specializing in Read more