Coronavirus in US: Cases reach record high amid second wave

US coronavirus cases have surged to a record daily high as states struggles with a new wave of infections.

The Covid Tracking Project cited data from local health authorities. The project reported 83,010 new cases on Friday.

According to the Covid Tracking Project, nearly 8.5 million cases of coronavirus have been reported in America since the pandemic began.

The daily increase on Friday increased by more than 6,000 cases the tracking project’s previous record of 76,842 on 17 July.

The US has reported 441,541 new infections last week – its largest seven-day increase since the end of July.

On the other hand, the death toll due to coronavirus has also steadily increased during the last six days but is significantly below the peak of over 2,000 daily deaths reported in April.

Furthermore, hospital admission numbers are increasing as well. Covid Tracking Project data says 41,485 people were being treated in hospital.

The federal Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reported 74,380 new cases, its third-highest number on record.

States including North Dakota, Montana, and Wisconsin are the worst-hit by a coronavirus. Authorities recorded the worst-daily case increase for the third day in Ohio. Others in the region, including Illinois and Indiana, also saw daily rises near or at record highs on Friday.

Governor Gary Herbert warned that the virus’s impact had seriously impacted local hospital capacity.” Up until now, our hospitals have been able to provide good care to all Covid and non-Covid patients who need it. But today we stand on the brink,” said Mr. Herbert.

“If Utahans do not take serious steps to limit group gatherings and wear masks, our healthcare providers will not have the ability to provide quality care for everyone who needs it.”

The World Health Organization (WHO) has also warned that countries in the Northern Hemisphere are at a “critical juncture”.