COVID 19: US Hits Record Coronavirus Cases

Once again, the US is setting alarming records. Almost 213,000 new COVID cases were reported on Thursday, the highest of the pandemic. Meanwhile, more than 2,500 fatalities were reported for the 3rd consecutive day — marking the deadliest stretch since the pandemic began.

Coronavirus vaccines are poised to be approved and distributed in the coming weeks in the US, but that promising news comes amid record levels of infections and hospitalizations, with experts warning that the most brutal period of the pandemic lies ahead.

President-elect Joe Biden has selected a close adviser to help lead the nation’s response to the COVID crisis. Tapping a veteran of the Obama administration to serve as America’s top doctor as the country suffers from a surging pandemic.

Vivek H. Murthy, a former U.S. surgeon general, has been asked to reprise the role in an expanded version in the new administration, according to an individual familiar with the decision.

Murthy is expected to be part of a team of health-care officials charged with tackling the issue Biden has said would be his top priority upon taking office, according to people with knowledge of the matter, who, like others, spoke on the condition of anonymity because decisions have not been officially announced.