On Sunday, the global total of COVID-19 deaths hit 500,000 as the number of confirmed cases reached 10 million. The grim milestones come despite warnings that the pandemic has yet to reach its peak.
In the early days of the pandemic, China and Europe suffered from the brunt of the virus. Now, the novel coronavirus rages across the United States and Latin America.
U.S. COVID-19
In the first few months of the pandemic, hot spots emerged in the Northeastern States, particularly in New York. However, recent surges occurred in the South and the West after restrictions were lifted. The new hot spots forced some states to postpone their plans to reopen.
Data released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Friday suggested the number of COVID-19 infections in the U.S. is likely ten times higher than what is reported.
The study found that in South Florida, less than 2 percent of the population was exposed to the virus as of early April. But the recent surges may have raised the proportion in the state. Dr. Fiona Havers, who led the study, said many people might have mild or asymptomatic infections.
In Missouri, the study recorded a vast difference between record infections and the actual prevalence of data. As of April 26, only 2.65 percent of the population contracted the novel coronavirus. However, the number is about 24 times the 6,800 total reported cases, the New York Times reported.
Latin America COVID-19
Several countries in the Latin American region, particularly Mexico and Brazil, have quickly become a focal point of the coronavirus pandemic. Before the first cases were recorded, health experts warned the region's densely packed cities, legions of informal settlers, and starving health care systems may undermine any attempt to slow or stop the spread of the virus.
While parts of Asia and Europe begin to recover months after the pandemic first struck, the disease has only worsened across Latin America, with deaths doubling in a month.
In recent weeks, Brazil, led by President Jair Bolsonaro, often recorded the world's highest number of daily coronavirus cases and deaths. On Monday, Brazilian health officials recorded 30,476 new cases and 552 additional deaths. On Sunday, authorities reported 38,693 new cases and 1,109 virus-related fatalities, as reported by Reuters.
Health officials in Mexico reported 4,410 additional coronavirus infections and 602 new deaths on Saturday. The numbers bring the country's total tally to 212, 802 cases, and 26,381 deaths.
However, not every country in the region is facing a dire situation. According to a report by the Guardian, Uruguay, one of the region's most progressive enclave, has only recorded 25 coronavirus-related deaths. Experts attribute the country's success to its extensive public health coverage and access to safe, running water.
In Paraguay, only 1,392 cases and 13 deaths were recorded despite being the home to 7 million people. Dr. Antonio Arbo, an epidemiologist, claimed Paraguay's success is linked to its prompt and strict implementation of coronavirus measures and the good behavior of most of its population.
