The U.S. topped 4 million confirmed cases of the coronavirus Thursday, more than any other country in the world, according to the New York Times database.

The news of the increase in coronavirus cases was brought on by a surge in positive cases of the virus, growing in as many as 39 states across the nation, The New York Times reported. According to the news outlet’s database, over 69,000 new cases of the coronavirus were reported on Wednesday, an increase of 27% over the last 14 days.

States, such as Texas, Florida, and California, are seeing their coronavirus numbers surge, causing more restrictions in some areas, including a series of face mask mandates meant to slow the spread of the virus.

States with rapidly growing positive coronavirus cases include Alaska, Montana, Virginia, Puerto Rico, Mississippi, Missouri, North Dakota, Maryland, Nevada, Kentucky, Indiana, Colorado, and Puerto Rico, according to the database.

COVID-19 deaths were also reported to be on the rise with a peak number of deaths reported Wednesday – the most since May 29 at the height of the coronavirus pandemic. On Wednesday, 1,136 COVID-19 deaths were reported, the Times database said.

Over 143,000 total deaths from the virus have been reported nationwide, according to Johns Hopkins University.

Hospitalizations also reached another peak on Wednesday – a number than nearly outpaced the previous high of nearly 60,000, set on April 15, the Times said.

US President Donald Trump has come out in favor of face masks to fight the coronavirus after refusing to encourage them for months
US President Donald Trump has come out in favor of face masks to fight the coronavirus after refusing to encourage them for months AFP / Chris DELMAS
RELATED STORIES
Coronavirus Puerto rico The New York Times Medicine