The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in the United States surpassed 2 million on Wednesday. No other country in the world has more than 773,000 according to to Johns Hopkins University.
Along with the 2 million cases, the U.S. has also experienced nearly 113,000 deaths – nearly triple the number of the United Kingdom, which has endured the second highest number of fatalities at 41,213. New York alone has confirmed 30,542 coronavirus deaths.
Massachusetts has reported the third highest death toll of any state with 7,454.
As states in the northeast begin to reopen after stay-at-home orders and advisories, other parts of the countries are seeing cases continue to increase.
At least 12 states – Alaska, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Kentucky, Mississippi, Montana, North Carolina, Oregon, South Carolina, Texas and Utah – have seen the number of coronavirus hospitalizations increase since Memorial day, according to CNN. Within the last week, 19 states have seen increases in cases, the report said.
On Wednesday, Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker reported a “very significant” reduction in positives tests. The state had just 267 new cases on Wednesday in a week where it entered the first step of its second phase of reopening.
Massachusetts began its four-phase reopening plan in May. Phase two brought outdoor dining in restaurants, the opening of some retail stores and child care.
Despite businesses beginning to open its doors again, health experts and state officials continue to ask the public to practice social distancing and wear masks.
Throughout the pandemic, health experts have warned that a second wave of the virus could hit the United States later this year.
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