One American died every 40 seconds from COVID-19 on Tuesday, marking the highest death toll the nation has seen since May.
In total, 2,157 Americans lost their lives to the virus Tuesday, which is the first time deaths surpassed 2,000 since May.
The tally was just a few hundred shy of exceeding the deadliest day since the pandemic began, which saw 2,806 deaths on April 14, according to Reuters.
The deaths come as US hospitalizations for COVID-19 reached a record high of 87,000 Tuesday — and as another 170,000 new infections were recorded — casting a pall over the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday.
Experts and elected officials have repeatedly asked people to say home and not travel for Thanksgiving over concerns large gatherings could lead to a spike in cases that will further burden hospitals.
“Hang in there a bit longer,” Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, stressed Wednesday during a “Good Morning America” interview about the need to wear masks, avoid crowds and maintain a distance from others.
“If we do those things, we’re going to get through it. So that’s my final plea before the holiday.”
With Post wires
