The total confirmed dead from the virus in the US is now 18,586, putting it on the heels of Italy, which at 18,849 has more deaths than any nation on earth.

Washington: US coronavirus cases topped 500,000 on Friday, according to a Reuters tally, with new coronavirus deaths in the United States surpassing 2000 in a 24-hour period, the highest daily tally to date.
US President Donald Trump speaks during a Coronavirus Task Force news conference at the White House in Washington.Credit:Bloomberg
The total confirmed dead from the virus in the US is now 18,586, putting it on the heels of Italy, which at 18,849 has experienced more deaths than any nation on earth.
At least 2056 people died of complications related to COVID-19 in the 50 states and District of Columbia, up from totals of 1878, 1936 and 1879 the three days prior.
Worldwide, the confirmed COVID-19 death toll reached 100,000.