Covid-19: The US recorded an “unthinkable” milestone

This milestone, equivalent to the population of the city of San Jose, California, was set at an astonishing speed: 27 months after the US reported its first case of infection.

The number of daily deaths from Covid-19 in the US has been much lower in recent weeks, to about 360 cases / day.

With 1 million deaths, the US is currently the country with the highest number of deaths from Covid-19 in the world, much higher than the second country, Brazil, which has recorded more than 660,000 cases.

“The number of deaths in the US is still increasing, it is far from over,” said expert Christopher Murray of the University of Washington School of Medicine (USA).

Per capita, the US currently ranks 18 in the world in the number of deaths while Peru is at the top. Even so, 1 million deaths in the US was once a number considered by most to be “unthinkable” in the early stages of the pandemic.

As of May 4, the total number of deaths in the US has surpassed 1 million, with more than 50% of these recorded before President Joe Biden took office in January 2021. Photo: AP

For many people, this number is a proof that the US response to the Covid-19 crisis is not effective.

“We had the opportunity to be a shining example to the rest of the world in terms of how to respond to the pandemic, but we didn’t,” said Nico Montero, a 17-year-old Pennsylvania resident.

According to expert Robert Murphy of the Institute for Global Health Research (USA), many people thought that the US could control Covid-19 better.

“We get excited when a vaccine is developed so quickly. People really think the US can get out of the pandemic with a vaccine. However, we have people who don’t even get vaccinated.” Mr. Murphy said.

Foreign Minister Blinken has Covid-19

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on May 4 tested positive for Covid-19, US State Department spokesman Ned Price announced, and said that Mr. Blinken was fully vaccinated and received additional doses. should only show mild symptoms.

Last weekend, Secretary of State Blinken attended an event at the White House attended by President Joe Biden. However, the two have not met since, and President Biden is not in close contact, White House press secretary Jen Psaki announced on May 4.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken will isolate at home and work online until a negative result for Covid-19 is found. Photo: Reuters