US Coronavirus Death Toll: Monday The Deadliest Day In Latest Surge, Cuomo Pleads For Medical Equipment

The coronavirus continues to be a public health crisis in the United States, with more than 100 deaths reported on Monday. According to Johns Hopkins University, there are at least 50,500 cases of the virus in the U.S., with the death toll at 646.

The World Health Organization has warned that the U.S. could be the new epicenter of the outbreak. The only countries with more cases than the U.S. have been China and Italy.

New York, California, New Jersey, Ohio and several other states have issued shelter-at-home orders, closing non-essential businesses to prevent the spread of the virus. New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo has said the number of cases is spiking and has called for more medical equipment.

“The federal government must distribute ventilators based on need,” Cuomo tweeted Tuesday. “We need them in New York NOW. After New York gets past the apex of this pandemic, I will transport the ventilators myself wherever they are next needed.”

Despite the rise in deaths and cases, President Trump wants states to ultimately reduce social distancing measures and to open up the country by April 12. Trump has grown increasingly dismayed by rising unemployment and dives in the stock market.

“We’re opening up this incredible country. Because we have to do that. I would love to have it open by Easter,” Trump said on a Fox News “virtual town hall” event Tuesday at the White House.

Public health experts have warned that reducing social distancing measures too soon could cause cases to spike.

The coronavirus originated at an animal and seafood market in the Chinese city of Wuhan. There are at least 407,485 cases of coronavirus worldwide, with at least 18,227 deaths.