COVID-19 death toll passes 100K, total recoveries approach 500K in U.S.
In just four months, the coronavirus has led to over 100,000 deaths in the U.S. The number was reported by Johns Hopkins University on Wednesday, with the first virus related fatality in the U.S. occurring in early February.
County map of the U.S. shows the number of reported coronavirus related COVID-19 deaths as the total number has now officially reached 100,000 (AP Photo).
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UPDATED 1:20 PM PT — Thursday, May 28, 2020
In just four months, the coronavirus has led to over 100,000 deaths in the U.S. The number was reported by Johns Hopkins University on Wednesday, with the first virus related fatality in the U.S. occurring in early February.
Though several coronavirus measures to limit the virus’ spread, like mask wearing and lockdowns, have turned partisan since they were introduced, the grief brought on by the so-called “invisible enemy” has been felt across party lines.
On Wednesday, the president extended his sympathies to those affected by COVID fatalities.
We have just reached a very sad milestone with the coronavirus pandemic deaths reaching 100,000. To all of the families & friends of those who have passed, I want to extend my heartfelt sympathy & love for everything that these great people stood for & represent. God be with you!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 28, 2020
Presumed Democrat presidential nominee Joe Biden also relayed his grief.
“There are moments in our history so grim, so heartrending, that they’re forever fixed in each of our hearts,” he said.
There are moments in our history so grim, so heart-rending, that they're forever fixed in each of our hearts as shared grief. Today is one of those moments. 100,000 lives have now been lost to this virus.
To those hurting, I'm so sorry for your loss. The nation grieves with you. pic.twitter.com/SBBRKV4mPZ
— Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) May 27, 2020
A woman waves an American Flag from Fort Monroe as the USNS Comfort returns to Norfolk from New York Friday, May 1, 2020. (Jonathon Gruenke/The Daily Press via AP)
The latest report on COVID deaths reflected only a small part of the loss that has impacted millions. Families and friends continue to grieve lost loved ones during these times.
“I kept texting her, wanting to believe that it wasn’t true that she had passed away,” said the daughter of one health care worker.
Meanwhile, workers on the front lines have been witnessing these losses firsthand.
“One of the hardest moments was having to see a family member of a COVID patient say goodbye over an iPad rooms away,” explained one medical worker.
Funeral home officials have worked tirelessly to keep up with the increase in demand.
“I don’t want to apologize, because I am doing the absolute best I can,” said one funeral director. “But if it’s not good enough, I am sorry, deeply sorry.”
In this May 22, 2020 photo, people walk past American flags flying at half-staff at the Washington Monument in Washington. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky)
The knowledge of these lost lives has been felt across our nation, especially over Memorial Day weekend when flags were lowered to half-staff by the president.
I will be lowering the flags on all Federal Buildings and National Monuments to half-staff over the next three days in memory of the Americans we have lost to the CoronaVirus….
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 21, 2020
However, there is cause for hope and optimism in the U.S. According to the CDC, nearly 500,000 Americans have recovered from the virus.
“I’m a man of faith,” stated one survivor. “As much as possible, I try to put things in God’s hands, and I got healed.”
In addition, critics have noted the current death toll may be inflated, since it counts all people who died with COVID-19 instead of counting only those who died as a direct result of the virus.
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