The United States reported 88,452 new coronavirus cases on Thursday, setting a single-day record, according to data from the COVID Tracking Project.
The big picture: The country confirmed 1,049 additional deaths due to the virus, and there are over 46,000 people currently being hospitalized, suggesting the U.S. is experiencing a third wave heading into the winter months.
The state of play: In the final stretch before Election Day, new single-day case records have soared to an all-time high. The four highest daily case counts have all been reported this week.
- On average, nearly 72,000 people tested positive for the coronavirus each day over the past week. That’s the highest seven-day average on record.
- The virus gained strength over the past week in 41 states, including nearly every important battleground state.
- This third wave of infections is already beginning to strain hospitals’ resources in some parts of the country.
