COVID-19 death toll in US surpasses 24,000 mark, highest in the world

In an unfortunate development, coronavirus death toll in United States has surpassed 24,000 mark, making it worst affected country in world with highest number of COVID-19 fatalities. As per reports, data was revealed by  Johns Hopkins University on Tuesday, April 14. According to university's Coronavirus Resource Center, total number of deaths witnessed was 24,485 as of 1.20 pm EDT. 

Leading number of worldwide cases of vel coronavirus COVID-19 infection, United States has become new epicentre of pandemic surpassing China, Italy, and Iran. With over 600,000 cases to date, Trump administration has been facing momentous criticism for failing to contain outbreak. Trump has also t anunced a nationwide shutdown to deal with coronavirus.

Read: Donald Trump gets into heated argument with a reporter during COVID-19 briefing

New York worst hit

New York --  one of worst-hit spots in US, has seen a total of 10,834 deaths and 202,208 COVID-19 positive cases. However, New York Goverr Andrew Cuomo on Tuesday during his daily briefing asserted that worst phase of coronavirus pandemic is over. According to him, numbers are saying that y can w control spread of virus. 

Read: Donald Trump makes media sit through clips of goverrs lauding him for COVID-19 response

Trump threatens to cut funding on WHO

On April 7, Trump threatened to cut US funding to World Health Organisation after claiming that organisation was very "China-centric". In response, WHO director-general Tedros Adham Ghebreyesus urged United States to join hands with China in combating disease rar than indulging in a blame game saying, "If you don't want more body bags, n you refrain from politicising it."

Meanwhile,  Trump administration is banking heavily on using hydroxychloroquine for coronavirus treatment. According to US President, drug is yielding positive results. United States has made hydroxychloroquine a part of its Strategic National Stockpile amid coronavirus outbreak. 

At present, re are around 1,986,554 confirmed cases of COVID-19 infection across globe and disease has led to death of around 125,421 people. In a ray of hope, around 466,635 people are also reported to have recovered.

Read: Coronavirus Italy: Italian Football Federation hopes players test -ve for COVID-19 by May