The U.S. blew past records for daily new Covid-19 cases and virus deaths on Wednesday, as the national crisis continues to worsen. More than 247,000 new infections and more than 3,600 Covid deaths were reported on Wednesday, according to Johns Hopkins University data, the highest single-day tallies yet. A record 113,000 people are currently hospitalized with the virus, according to The Atlantic's COVID Tracking Project. The new and disheartening highs come at the same time the U.S. is beginning a vaccine rollout.
The U.S. is recording at least 215,729 new Covid-19 cases and at least 2,570 virus-related deaths each day, based on a seven-day average calculated by CNBC using Johns Hopkins University data.
Here are some of the biggest developments Thursday:
- France's Macron tests positive for Covid, prompting other European leaders to self-isolate
- Initial jobless claims rise to highest level since September
- 46,000 businesses cut 401(k) funding amid Covid
- Pfizer waiting on shipping instructions for millions of vaccine doses
- FDA panel endorses Moderna's vaccine for emergency use
The following data was compiled by Johns Hopkins University:
- Global cases: More than 74.95 millionÂ
- Global deaths: At least 1.66 million
- U.S. cases: More than 17.20 million
- U.S. deaths: At least 310,699