The novel coronavirus outbreak in the U.S. has seen its deadliest day yet, with nearly 2,000 deaths reported on Tuesday. The country’s death toll climbed to just below 13,000, as of Wednesday, according to the latest figures from Johns Hopkins University.

The virus, which was first reported in Wuhan, China, has infected more than 1.4 million people wordwide, including nearly 400,000 in the U.S., as of Wednesday. There were 1,970 deaths in the U.S. reported on Tuesday, which means the virus has killed an American every 45 seconds.

The majority of the deaths have been in New York, which saw its highest daily death toll with 731 fatalities on Tuesday. The state’s death count is now at nearly 5,500, New York Governor Cuomo confirmed. New York City alone has at least 4,009 casualties, as of Wednesday.

New Jersey has the second highest number of deaths in the country, with at least 1,232 fatalities, according to the New Jersey government website.

New Jersey and Connecticut both saw their largest daily death tolls, with 229 and 71 deaths, respectively, recorded on Tuesday. The tri-state area of New York, New Jersey and Connecticut has seen a combined total of nearly 7,000 deaths among its nearly 191,000 infected people.

Michigan has seen at least 845 casualties, while 582 patients have died in Louisiana, according to each state’s health department.

California has seen at least 450 deaths, the Los Angeles Times reported on Tuesday, while Massachusetts has seen 356 fatalities, according to the Massachusetts Department of Health.

The U.S. braced for a surge in deaths this week. U.S. Surgeon General Jerome Adams told Fox News on Sunday this week will be “the hardest and the saddest week of most Americans’ lives.”

“[The surge in deaths] is not going to be localized. It’s going to be happening all over the country,” he warned. But “there is a light at the end of the tunnel if everyone does their part for the next 30 days,” he added.

Several states across the country have issued a “stay at home” order. The order requires residents to remain at home, while all non-essential businesses, including bars, restaurants and other places of public gathering, are shuttered.

President Donald Trump noted at a White House press briefing on Tuesday: “Even during this painful week, we see glimmers of very, very strong hope. And this will be a very painful week.”

“But signs are that our strategy is totally working. Every American has a role to play in winning this war [against the virus],” he added.

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.

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