US coronavirus cases jump past 33,000, deaths hit 400
- The US CDC reported 33,453 cases of coronavirus, an increase of 18,185 infections from its previous count
- Prison union official asks the government to stop the movement of inmates between facilities until the virus can be contained
The CDC’s previous tally was 15,268 confirmed cases and 201 deaths, and the numbers have increased from 432 and 19, respectively, just two weeks ago. The figures are current as of 4pm ET on Sunday.
Meanwhile, the latest figures from Johns Hopkins School of Medicine’s Coronavirus Resource Centre, which are updated more frequently and draw on additional sources at the state level, had the number of US cases at 41,047 as of midday on Monday.
The uptick in cases comes as the US states of New York, California and Washington were declared by the federal government to be national disaster areas to help bring aid to the states faster.
The increase in coronavirus cases increases the pressure on the US Senate to overcome partisan disagreements over a stimulus bill meant to counteract the shutdown of businesses as more Americans are ordered by state and municipal authorities to stay at home.
Senate Democrats blocked legislation late on Sunday on a third economic stimulus and relief package expected to involve as much as US$2 trillion for companies and individuals.