COVID-19 Deaths Highest in the World: US to Produce 40 Million Masks...

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy International Desk Reporter] The United States has earned the unfortunate distinction of having the highest number of deaths from the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) worldwide. The U.S. Department of Defense is set to produce approximately 40 million N95 masks to help curb the spread of COVID-19.

According to real-time international statistics site Worldometer on the 11th (local time), the U.S. has recorded 20,135 deaths and 520,999 confirmed cases of COVID-19. Surpassing Italy's 19,468 deaths, the U.S. has become the country with the highest number of fatalities due to COVID-19 worldwide. Considering the global death toll of 106,974, this means that one in every five deaths occurred in the United States.

The U.S. has recently seen a sharp increase in daily deaths, with the number exceeding 2,000 for the first time the previous day.

New York State, which has suffered the most from COVID-19 in the U.S., continues to report daily new deaths in the 700s. Governor Andrew Cuomo announced at a press conference that New York State's COVID-19 death toll increased by 783 in one day, reaching a total of 8,623.

The daily new death counts have remained in the high 700s, with 731 on the 7th, 779 on the 8th, 799 on the 9th, 777 on the 10th, and 783 on the 11th. The number of confirmed cases in New York State rose by about 10,000 to 180,458.

Governor Cuomo expressed sorrow, saying, "These are unbelievable numbers that describe incredible loss and pain." However, he added, "It appears that hospitalizations have peaked. The hospitalization rate is declining, and that is important," highlighting that the decrease in hospitalized patients is encouraging.

Amid the spread of COVID-19, the U.S. Department of Defense is investing $133 million (approximately 161.2 billion KRW) to produce about 40 million N95 masks. This is the first project by the U.S. Department of Defense under the Defense Production Act.

The Department of Defense stated, "On the evening of the 10th, we received approval from the White House Task Force to carry out the first project under the Defense Production Act in response to COVID-19," and added, "We will increase N95 mask production by more than 39 million within 90 days."

The Department of Defense plans to disclose detailed information, including the names of companies participating in the project, within a few days once contracts are finalized.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.