Coronavirus: US death toll surpasses 250K as total COVID-19 cases near 11.5M

Total deaths in the United States attributed to the novel coronavirus surpassed a quarter of a million late Wednesday, according to a Johns Hopkins University tally.

In addition, the nation has recorded nearly half a million new COVID-19 cases since Sunday, bringing the overall total to 11,485,176, or roughly 20% of all global cases.

The official U.S. virus-related death count hit 250,029 on Wednesday evening.

>> Read more trending news

According to an NBC News analysis, COVID-19 fatalities have increased about 42% in the past four weeks, from a “weekly average of 821 per day in early October to last week’s average of 1,167 per day.”

Meanwhile, an internal report obtained Tuesday by the network revealed the White House coronavirus task force has warned there is “now aggressive, unrelenting, expanding broad community spread across the country, reaching most counties, without evidence of improvement but rather, further deterioration.”

According to KABC, demographers at the University of California, Berkeley have determined that the virus’ death toll has decreased the average American life expectancy by about one year. They also estimate the financial loss stemming from the deaths of a quarter of a million residents could be as much as $2.5 trillion.

“These effects don’t just dissipate when the pandemic ends. We will be grappling with this for a decade going forward,” Emily Smith-Greenaway, an associate professor of sociology and special sciences at the University of Southern California told the TV station.

More coronavirus pandemic coverage:

>> Coronavirus: CDC acknowledges airborne transmission of COVID-19

>> Is it COVID-19, flu, cold or allergies? What is causing you to feel sick this year

>> Coronavirus: CDC updates guidance for COVID-19 testing

>> Dangerous hand sanitizer list up to more than 150 products, FDA announces

>> Wash your masks: How to clean a cloth face covering

>> Fact check: Will masks lower the oxygen level, raise the carbon dioxide in your blood?

>> How to not let coronavirus pandemic fatigue set in, battle back if it does

On AirMy Magic 94.9 - Tampa Bay's Best Music Logo


See a new furry friend up for adoption every week, brought to you by Purina Beyond!


Swimming is a great recreational sport that can be enjoyed by people of all ages, especially here in Florida. But it’s important to know how to be safe while you’re in the water.


Win tickets to concerts, unique experiences, great prizes and MORE!


Get weather news that matters, including forecast and radar from 10 News!


mobile apps

Everything you love about mymagic949.com and more! Tap on any of the buttons below to download our app.

amazon alexa

Enable our Skill today to listen live at home on your Alexa Devices!