World records 100 million COVID cases
The world recorded its 100 millionth COVID case Tuesday.
The true number of infections is likely much higher, but that number will probably never be known because there were few available tests in the pandemic’s early days, and testing continues to be limited in many countries.
More than 2.1 million people have died from COVID-19, according to Johns Hopkins University data. The deadliest day on record was Jan. 20, last Wednesday, when 17,819 people died from the disease.
The United States has reported more cases, 25.3 million, and deaths, 423,000, than any nation. The U.S. has tallied 25% of the world’s cases and 20% of its deaths despite having just 4% of its population.
India has reported the second-most cases, with 10.6 million. Brazil has recorded the second-highest death toll, as more than 217,000 Brazilians have died from COVID-19.
Having failed to contain the virus, the world started a patchwork vaccination campaign in December. European nations and the U.S. have purchased most of the early available doses.
Nearly 70 million doses had been administered by Monday, according to worldwide data. Both primary vaccines in use, produced by Pfizer and Moderna, require two doses for immunity.
About 6.15 million people have received both required shots, with more than half of those people being Americans. Still, the U.S. vaccine rollout has been inconsistent. Mayor de Blasio said Monday that New York City will not reach its target of 1 million doses administered by Feb. 1.
