US hits sad milestone: 500,000 COVID-19 deaths
COVID-19 has caused or hastened the deaths of more than half a million U.S. residents, according to updated data from Johns Hopkins.
Globally, the novel coronavirus has infected more than 111 million individuals and killed 2.5 million. The U.S. has recorded more than 28 million confirmed cases. While there were about 100,000 U.S. deaths in just the past five weeks alone and the virus became the leading cause of death in the nation, there is some good news on the horizon. More than 65 million vaccines have already been administered, according to the CDC, suggesting the end of the pandemic may be in sight.
“As a nation, we can’t accept such a cruel fate” as mass suffering and death, President Biden said Feb. 22 as the U.S. passed the milestone. “While we have been fighting this pandemic for so long, we have to resist becoming numb to the sorrow.”
Unfortunately, the U.S. ranks No. 1 in the world for COVID-19 deaths, and the country has been gripped by political influences when it comes to advice on reducing exposure and spread of the virus.
Recently, the CDC recommended that individuals add layers to increase their protection from the virus, such as wearing two face masks or coverings.
As a result of the tragic death toll, Biden lowered all flags on federal property to half mast for the week of Feb. 22.
Amy joined TriMed Media as a Senior Writer for HealthExec after covering home care for three years. When not writing about all things healthcare, she fulfills her lifelong dream of becoming a pirate by sailing in regattas and enjoying rum. Fun fact: she sailed 333 miles across Lake Michigan in the Chicago Yacht Club "Race to Mackinac."