US records sharpest spike with nearly 2,600 COVID-19 deaths in 24 hours

JOHN MOORE / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP

Nearly 2,600 people died from COVID-19 in just 24 hours in the US, recording the heaviest daily toll of any country.

The total fatalities in the country stood at 28,544 and positive cases at more than 644,000. 

The figures come as President Donald Trump announced, during his White House press briefing, that the country had "passed the peak" on new cases and lockdown restrictions needed to be lifted.

He told reporters his "aggressive strategy" against the virus was working and plans to reopen the economy will be made on Thursday.

Trump suggested that less-affected states could ease restrictions before May 1.

Globally, the death toll has topped 134,000, with more than two million infections.

More from International

Coming Up on Dubai Eye

  • Nights on Dubai Eye 103.8

    11:00pm - 6:00am

    Dubai Eye complements the conversation with the music you love from the eighties, nineties and newer.

  • The Business Breakfast

    6:00am - 10:00am

    The Business Breakfast is the day’s must listen for the UAE’s business leaders, and those who aspire to be.

BUSINESS BREAKFAST LATEST

On Dubai Eye

  • Flying Taxis

    It sounds like an episode of The Jetsons, but the sight of flying taxis whizzing around our cities could be much closer than you think.

  • Tough penalties for deliberate tax evasion

    The UAE has said that tougher penalties will come into force from 1st August for not keeping proper corporate tax records.