The United States has been recording thousands of new coronavirus cases over the past three weeks as the world races to find a potential effective COVID-19 treatment or vaccine that should help reduce the number of infections globally.
U.S. Reports Nearly 30,000 New Cases
The U.S. on Thursday reported 29,515 new confirmed COVID-19 cases and 2,040 deaths as several states have started including "probable deaths" in their registry, CNN reported.
The new records brings the country's total coronavirus infections tally to 1,069,664 and the deaths to 63,006. The tallies include all cases from 50 states, repatriated cases, federal prisons, and the District of Columbia.
With over 66,000 deaths in the country so far, including coronavirus-related fatalities, experts said the numbers will help health officials determine the extent of the crisis' impact on people who were indirectly affected by the situation.
New York Starts Release Process for Some Detainees
The New York State Department of Corrections started releasing some detainees who were non-violent offenders on Thursday as part of the efforts to prevent further infections in state prisons.
According to the New York Post, some inmates who recently gave birth, as well as those who are pregnant, are also being released, with assurance that they will still receive the appropriate healthcare if necessary.
It is unclear how many non-violent and pregnant women will be released but the corrections department previously noted that it will continue to work on preventing infections among high-risk groups.
New York is the hardest-hit state in the U.S. and as of Thursday, it logged 299,691 confirmed COVID-19 cases and 23,477 deaths.
NJ Death Toll Sees Record Single-Day Hike
New Jersey on Thursday registered 460 new coronavirus deaths in the state, marking the highest single-day increase in fatalities in the state, nj.com reported.
The total death toll in New Jersey as of Thursday is 7,228. The state also registered 2,633 new COVID-19 cases, bringing the total tally to 118,652.
The state is the second hardest-hit in the country and Gov. Phil Murphy said even with the reopening of gold courses and parks, the government will continue to implement social distancing regulations.
Brazil Reports Over 7,218 New COVID-19 Cases
The Brazilian Health Ministry on Thursday recorded 7,218 new coronavirus infections in the last 24 hours, marking a new record high in new cases logged in the country in one day.
According to Reuters, the country also lost 435 people to the fast-spreading disease on Thursday, bringing the total death toll to 5,910.
The news came roughly two days after Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro responded "So what? I'm sorry. What do you want me to do?" when the media asked for his reaction about the record 474 deaths on Tuesday that made the country pass the 5,000 mark in fatalities.
Firewood for Heating could Push Chilean Numbers Up
Some health experts are concerned about the possibility of coronavirus in Chile jumping amid the increase of using cheap firewood for heating as temperatures shoot up.
Firewood heating is a leading cause of winter pollution in South America. Health experts noted that people who live in Chilean areas where the use of firewood is rampant may be high-risk groups who have higher rates of dying from the COVID-19 strain.
As of Thursday, Chile registered 14,885 confirmed coronavirus cases and 216 deaths.
