At least 168,446 people have died from COVID-19 in the US
The novel coronavirus has now killed more than 762,000 people worldwide.
More than 21.1 million people worldwide have been diagnosed with COVID-19, the disease caused by the new respiratory virus, according to data compiled by the Center for Systems Science and Engineering at Johns Hopkins University. The actual numbers are thought to be much higher due to lack of testing, many unreported cases and suspicions that some national governments are hiding or downplaying the extent of their outbreaks.
The United States is the least affected country in the world, with more than 5.3 million diagnosed cases and at least 168,446 deaths.
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Here’s how the news develops today. All times Eastern. Please refresh this page for updates.
10:22 a.m .: NY announces lowest COVID hospitalizations, record tests
On Saturday, Gov. Andrew Cuomo said in New York that New York had its lowest number of COVID-19 hospitals since March 17. The mayor also announced a record high in the number of tests.
Since March 17, hospitalizations have dropped to 523; the number of COVID-19 tests reported to the state of New York stands at 88,668.
“In New York, we knew from the beginning that testing would be an important factor in managing this new virus. We stepped up testing immediately and took a national leading role in developing capacity to test as many New Yorkers as possible, and “I am proud that we are continuing to raise the bar and we have broken our record high again,” Cuomo said. “Yesterday’s numbers – particularly the new low in hospitalizations – reflect the progress we have made during this pandemic, but we will continue to monitor the data and the alarming increase in cases around the country. My message is the same: stay new York Smart, wash your hands, social distance, and wear masks! ”
Gov. Cuomo also confirmed 734 additional cases of new coronavirus, bringing the statewide total to 424,901 confirmed cases in New York State, with the highest concentration in New York City.
As of Friday, there were five deaths from COVID-19 in New York State, bringing the total to 25,244.
6:43 p.m .: Notre Dame University reports 29 cases of COVID-19
The University of Notre Dame reported 29 cases of COVID-19 in a one-week period, reports the South Bend Tribune.
The cases were from August 6 to August 14. On Friday, August 14, the university reported 10 new cases.
Notre Dame spokesman Paul Browne told the South Bend Tribune that many of the COVID-19 cases were traced to an off-campus party where students do not wear masks and do not practice social distance.
“What reinforces is our concern that it only takes a weak link. You can have a strong chain, but if you only have one weak link, it can lead to spike numbers,” Brown said. “Notre Dame officials believe they can still get the virus under control without canceling in-person classes and sending students home.”
The virus affected not only students who attended the party, but some who came in contact with those who attended, “Browne said.
6:22 p.m .: Florida High School High School Start Date Approved
Fall high school sports in Florida are a gong after the Florida High School Athletics Association voted Friday to start sports anywhere in Sunshine State.
Practices may begin this month with games set to recover in September. Teams, according to FHSAA, may start later and not sign up for state-wide play due to coronavirus hot spots.
The organization also said that “schools may opt for the State Series until September 18 with the option to form their own regional scheme upon approval by the FHSAA.”
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has been a strong supporter of reopening of schools and sports in the state, despite the summer gains in cases and deaths.
“To our parents – you deserve the choice of instruction in individuals like distance education and I am glad that so many school regions are making this vision a reality,” DeSantis said at a news conference this week. “To our teachers and school administrators – thank you for refusing to let obstacles stand in the way of providing opportunities for our children. This has been a difficult time, but I believe your hard work will do more than you know about our society. to get back on his feet. ”
In Florida, more than 563,000 people have been diagnosed with COVID-19 and at least 9,141 people have died from the virus.
The state reported more than 6,200 new cases of COVID-19 and 200 deaths on Friday.
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ABC News’ Tom Shine and J. Gabriel Ware contributed to this report.
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