COVID-19 cases in US top 550,000, Deaths cross 10,000 in UK

New York: The number of COVID-19 cases in the United States topped 550,000, according to the Center for Systems Science and Engineering (CSSE) at Johns Hopkins University.

The fresh figure reached 550,016 with 21,733 deaths as of 5.30 p.m. (2130 GMT), according to the CSSE, Xinhua news agency reported on Sunday.

The state of New York recorded 189,020 cases, the most in the country, with a death toll of 9,385. New Jersey reported 61,850 cases and 2,350 fatalities. Michigan, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, California, Illinois and Louisiana have each reported over 20,000 cases, according to the tally.

Deaths cross 10,000 in UK

Meanwhile, The UK has recorded 737 new coronavirus-related hospital deaths, taking the total number to 10,612 on Sunday.The number of reported deaths does not include deaths outside of hospitals.

It comes after one of the government's senior scientific advisers said the UK is likely to be among the worst-affected European countries.Health Secretary Matt Hancock said "today marks a sombre day", but welcomed efforts people had made to stay at home, the BBC reported.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Boris Johnson thanked healthcare workers for saving his life after being discharged from hospital.

Hancock told the daily press briefing: "Today marks a sombre day in the impact of this disease as we join the list of countries who have seen more than 10,000 deaths related to coronavirus.

"The fact that over 10,000 people have now lost their lives to this invisible killer demonstrates just how serious this coronavirus is and why the national effort that everyone is engaged in is so important."

The UK becomes the fifth country to surpass 10,000 deaths, joining the US, Spain, Italy and France.

Public Health England medical director Professor Yvonne Doyle said the number of people in hospital with coronavirus in London was stabilising, but it is increasing in the North West, Yorkshire and North East.

Speaking about those who have lost their lives to Covid-19, Hancock said: "Their grief is our grief and their stories will not be forgotten."

He also congratulated the British public for "rising to this challenge" of staying at home.

"Your steadfast commitment to following these social distancing rules is making a difference," he added.

Hancock said that there was "always more to be done" regarding personal protective equipment for NHS workers, but added there were now "record amounts in the system".

He added that 121,000 gowns had been delivered around the country and more would be coming.

Ministers are continuing to urge people to stay at home over the Easter weekend to curb the spread of the virus, despite warm and sunny weather across parts of the UK.

The increase of 737 deaths is less than the daily total announced on Saturday, when the UK recorded 917 new coronavirus deaths.