The US reached five million coronavirus cases on Sunday, and continues to lead the world as the nation with the highest number of infections. The milestone came less than three weeks since hitting 4 million infections.
Nearly five months after the COVID-19 outbreak, America also has the highest death toll in the world of more than 160,000, according to a statement held by Johns Hopkins University.
CORONAVIRUS IN THE US: STATE-BY-STATE BREAKDOWN
Health officials believe the actual number of infections could be 10 times higher, or closer to 50 million, due to test limitations and the fact that up to 40% of all those infected have no symptoms.
New cases are reported at about 54,000 daily. While that number is less than the peak of more than 70,000 cases last month, it has increased in nearly 20 states, with deaths rising in most.
California reported 7,341 more cases on Saturday for a total of 545,787 confirmed infections to date. The state reported 173 additional deaths.
In Florida, where the virus has seen a recent resurgence, health officials reported 8,502 new virus cases and 182 more deaths.
BRAZIL SURPASSES 100,000 CORONAVIRUS DEATHS, WHEN NO SIGNS OF CURBING OUTBREAK
Globally, Brazil ranks the US with the second-most confirmed cases in the world, with more than 3 million reported. On Sunday, the South American country joined the US as the only nation to pass 100,000 reported deaths.
This is an evolving story; check back for updates.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
