24 July

The number of coronavirus infections in the United States has surpassed the 4 million mark.

Figures compiled by Johns Hopkins University in the US show that about 72,000 new cases were reported on Wednesday.

As of 20:00 UTC on Thursday, the total for the country stood at nearly 4,007,000.

The number of cases hit the 1 million mark on April 28. It doubled to 2 million on June 10 and passed 3 million on July 8. It only took about two more weeks for it to reach 4 million.

About 1,200 new deaths were reported on Wednesday, topping 1,000 for a second consecutive day. About 200 of the deaths were reported in Texas, and about 150 in California--the largest numbers so far.

According to a private-sector institution, the number of people in hospitals has exceeded 59,000, which is about the same level as in mid-April when the number hit a record high.

In Texas, more than 10,000 people are in hospitals. Local media outlets are reporting that the situation at medical institutions resembles a battlefield.

Many states have suspended reopening their economies. The spread of infection is showing no signs of slowing, as basic measures to prevent the spread are not being fully enforced. Some residents refuse to wear face masks and there has not been sufficient social distancing.

NHK