The U.S. saw a grim milestone this week: A record 4,591 people were reported dead in the U.S. with COVID-19 died in a 24-hour stretch ending at 8 p.m. ET Thursday, according to John Hopkins University.
According to the Wall Street Journal, the figure beats the previous record of 2,569 reported deaths.
The sharp increase is likely because in New York City’s probable coronavirus deaths are now being counted in the official tally.
As of Friday morning, John Hopkins University reports that the death toll in the U.S. has reached 33,286.
The latest numbers come as President Donald Trump relentlessly pushes for an end to social distancing measures for the sake of “reopening” the sinking economy, despite public health officials’ warning that it would be premature to do so at this time. Governors on both sides of the aisle have also rejected Trump’s desire to have businesses reopen.
Correction: This story has been updated to clarify that the figure was reported deaths within 24 hours. This story also incorrectly reported that the U.S. had the highest mortality rate in the world.
