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New York on Course to Overtake Lombardy With Highest Coronavirus Death Toll in the World Within Days

Lombardy's death toll is projected to reach nearly 10,000 in about three days, while the death count in New York is on track to reach nearly 12,600 in less than three days.

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New York has seen the highest number of COVID-19 virus deaths in the U.S., the epicenter of the outbreak, with at least 6,268 fatalities, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo confirmed on Wednesday. The state has recently surpassed the point of a doubling death rate every day, according to Financial Times' analysis of available data sources by John Burn-Murdoch. Italy has the highest death count in the world, with at least 17,699 casualties, as of Thursday, according to the latest figures from Johns Hopkins University. The Lombardy region has reported 9,722 deaths according to the Wednesday report from Italy's Ministry of Health. Lombardy's death toll is projected to reach nearly 10,000 in about three days. The death count in New York is on track to reach nearly 12,600 in less than three days, according to FT analysis. This figure would see New York overtake Lombardy with the world's highest death toll in a subnational region.
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New York has seen at least 149,316 confirmed COVID-19 cases, including 81,803 infections and 4,571 deaths in New York City, as of Thursday. While cases continue to emerge in New York, Cuomo said the state has started "flattening the curve" of the outbreak and has shown signs of the pace of the spread slowing down." "We are flattening the curve because we are rigorous about social distancing, and if we continue doing what we are doing, we believe the curve will continue to flatten, but this is not a time to get complacent," Cuomo said at a press conference on Wednesday. "That is the good news, but the bad news is terrible—the death toll has been going steadily up and it reached a new height yesterday [Tuesday]. I continue to urge all New Yorkers to be responsible, adhere to all social distancing protocols and remember the life you are risking may not be your own," he added. The COVID-19 virus, which was first detected in Wuhan, China, has spread to more than 1.5 million people across at least 184 countries and regions. The U.S. has more than 432,500 confirmed cases to date. Over 339,700 have recovered from infection, while more than 89,900 have died, as of Thursday. The graphic below, provided by Statista, shows the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases, the disease caused by the new strain of coronavirus, in a selection of states.
COVID-19 cases in New York between March 16 and April 8, 2020
This infographic shows the steep growth in the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in New York between March 16 and April 8, 2020. Statista

Top 10 states with most COVID-19 deaths

  1. New York—at least 6,268 deaths, Cuomo confirmed on Wednesday;
  2. New Jersey—at least 1,504 deaths, according to the New Jersey state government website;
  3. Michigan—at least 959, according to the Michigan state government website;
  4. Louisiana—at least 652 deaths, according to the Louisiana Department of Health;
  5. California—at least 507 deaths, according to the Los Angeles Times;
  6. Massachusetts—at least 433 deaths, according to the Massachusetts Department of Health;
  7. Washington at least 421, according to the state's health department;
  8. Illinois—at least 380 deaths, according to the latest report from the Illinois Department of Health;
  9. Georgia—at least 370 deaths, according to the Georgia Department of Public Health;
  10. Connecticut—at least 335, according to the state's Department of Publich Health.
The graphic below, provided by Statista, illustrates the spread of COVID-19 in the U.S.
Spread of COVID-19 in the U.S.
The spread of the COVID-19 virus in the U.S. Statista
Data on COVID-19 cases is from Johns Hopkins University unless otherwise stated.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Advice on Using Face Coverings to Slow Spread of COVID-19

  • CDC recommends wearing a cloth face covering in public where social distancing measures are difficult to maintain.
  • A simple cloth face covering can help slow the spread of the virus by those infected and by those who do not exhibit symptoms.
  • Cloth face coverings can be fashioned from household items. Guides are offered by the CDC. (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/diy-cloth-face-coverings.html)
  • Cloth face coverings should be washed regularly. A washing machine will suffice.
  • Practice safe removal of face coverings by not touching eyes, nose, and mouth, and wash hands immediately after removing the covering.

World Health Organization advice for avoiding spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19)

Hygiene advice
  • Clean hands frequently with soap and water, or alcohol-based hand rub.
  • Wash hands after coughing or sneezing; when caring for the sick; before, during and after food preparation; before eating; after using the toilet; when hands are visibly dirty; and after handling animals or waste.
  • Maintain at least 1 meter (3 feet) distance from anyone who is coughing or sneezing.
  • Avoid touching your hands, nose and mouth. Do not spit in public.
  • Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or bent elbow when coughing or sneezing. Discard the tissue immediately and clean your hands.
Medical advice
  • Avoid close contact with others if you have any symptoms.
  • Stay at home if you feel unwell, even with mild symptoms such as headache and runny nose, to avoid potential spread of the disease to medical facilities and other people.
  • If you develop serious symptoms (fever, cough, difficulty breathing) seek medical care early and contact local health authorities in advance.
  • Note any recent contact with others and travel details to provide to authorities who can trace and prevent spread of the disease.
  • Stay up to date on COVID-19 developments issued by health authorities and follow their guidance.
Mask and glove usage
  • Healthy individuals only need to wear a mask if taking care of a sick person.
  • Wear a mask if you are coughing or sneezing.
  • Masks are effective when used in combination with frequent hand cleaning.
  • Do not touch the mask while wearing it. Clean hands if you touch the mask.
  • Learn how to properly put on, remove and dispose of masks. Clean hands after disposing of the mask.
  • Do not reuse single-use masks.
  • Regularly washing bare hands is more effective against catching COVID-19 than wearing rubber gloves.
  • The COVID-19 virus can still be picked up on rubber gloves and transmitted by touching your face.
NYC, COVID-19 Doc Marten store March 2020
A person with a face mask walks by a Dr. Martens store on March 25, 2020 in New York City. Healthy individuals only need to wear a mask if taking care of a sick person,... Getty Images