11 Dec

The daily number of deaths from the coronavirus in the United States has reached a record high of more than 3,100.

Data compiled by Johns Hopkins University show that COVID-19 claimed the lives of 3,124 people in the country on Wednesday.

The daily death toll from the disease has topped 2,000 on most days so far this month. The cumulative total fatalities is over 290,000.

A private-sector research group says more than 106,000 people are currently hospitalized for the virus, with over 20,000 of them in intensive care. Both tallies are also record highs.

Medical institutions across the country are reporting shortages of staff and beds.

Experts say the numbers are high because many people traveled across state borders for the Thanksgiving break last month. They warn that the Christmas holiday may lead to a further spread of the virus.

Anthony Fauci, a key member of the coronavirus taskforce of President Donald Trump's administration, called on people to refrain from dining in large groups and traveling.

Fauci said that without sufficient measures, mid-January could become "a really dark time."

NHK