US reports more than 4,000 daily Covid deaths for the first time

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Registered nurse wears personal protective equipment as she attends to patients in a suspected Covid-19 patient triage area.
AFP via Getty Images

The US has reported more than 4,000 coronavirus deaths in one day for the first time since the outbreak of the virus.

According to the Covid Tracking project set up by Atlantic journalist Alexis Madrigal, a total of 4,033 people died in connection with the disease within 24 hours.

The figures are led by record or near-record increases in Texas, Arizona and California and the toll surpasses the previous figure of 3,903 on December 30.

News of the increase in deaths comes as health systems in the country struggle to cope with the number of sick and dying patients.

On the same day the figures were released, President-elect Joe Biden announced that he plans to release nearly all available coronavirus vaccine after he takes office. 

The move differs with the Trump administration’s initial plan which was to hold half the vaccine in reserve to ensure people receive their second doses. 

Although Biden’s plan would ensure more Americans would get their first jab it could jeopardise the reserves needed for follow up shots. 

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