Spike in US continues as global cases near 11mn

America reports 55,000 new Covid cases; Moderna to begin human trial of vaccine this month end

WASHINGTON/BRASILIA: The United States reported more than 55,000 new Covid-19 cases on Thursday, yet another daily record, as the number of coronavirus infections globally inched towards 11 million on Friday.

A surge in cases in the US over the past week has put President Donald Trump’s handling of the crisis under the microscope and led several governors to halt plans to reopen their states after strict lockdowns.

The daily US tally stood at 55,274 late on Thursday, topping the previous single-day record of 54,771 set by Brazil on June 19.

Coronavirus cases are rising in 37 out of 50 U.S. states including Florida, which confirmed more than 10,000 new cases on Thursday. That marked the state’s largest daily spike so far and a level that exceeded singleday tallies from any European country at the height of the outbreak there.

Trump, meanwhile, hailed the United States’ coronavirus testing as cases in the country increased.

“There is a rise in coronavirus cases because our testing is so massive and so good, far bigger and better than any other country,” Trump tweeted. “This is great news, but even better news is that deaths and the death rate are down.”

In Brazil, the number of confirmed cases has increased by 48,105 to 1,496,858 within the past 24 hours.

The death toll has risen by 1,252 to 61,884 people within the same period of time. A day earlier, Brazil reported about 46,712 new cases and 1,038 new fatalities.

Mexico reported a record daily rise of 6,741 confirmed cases, bringing the total to 238,511. Deaths rose 679 to 29,189.

MODERNA SETS HUMAN TRIAL FOR JULY END

Drug-maker Moderna said a 30,000-patient trial of its Covid-19 vaccine candidate will start later this month. Company spokesman Ray Jordan confirmed to Bloomberg the trial should start in or by late July, which he said is consistent with the window previously communicated.