The US recorded the most coronavirus deaths in a single day with more than 1,800 fatalities reported on Tuesday.
It brings the total number of deaths in the country to nearly 13,000, according to data from Johns Hopkins University.
The US has more than 398,000 confirmed cases, the highest number in the world. Global cases have exceeded 1.4 million.
However during a press conference President Donald Trump said the US might be getting to the top of the "curve".
Meanwhile the city of Wuhan in China, where the infection first emerged, ended its 11-week lockdown.
The new figures announced on Tuesday are up on the previous record of 1,344 which was recorded on 4 April.
The family of American singer-songwriter John Prine has confirmed his death from complications related to coronavirus.
Known for songs such as Angel from Montgomery and Sam Stone, Prine died in Nashville on Tuesday at the age of 73. His wife tested positive for coronavirus and recovered however Prine was hospitalised last month with symptoms and placed on a ventilator.
A number of musicians including Bruce Springsteen and Margo Price have paid tribute to him.
How hard has New York been hit?
A large proportion of the deaths announced were from New York state. Widely considered the epicentre of the outbreak, it recorded 731 deaths on Tuesday.
It is on the cusp of overtaking the entire country of Italy with its number of confirmed cases.
Governor Andrew Cuomo said the state appeared to be nearing the peak of its pandemic. Hospital and intensive care admissions were down.
The governor urged people to stay inside and continue with social distancing.
"I know it's hard but we have to keep doing it," he said.
New Yorkers have been told to avoid large gatherings as Passover and Easter approaches.
Elsewhere, the state of Wisconsin pressed ahead with an election on Tuesday, despite a state-wide stay-at-home order amid the escalating outbreak.
What did Trump say about the WHO?
During a press conference on Tuesday, Mr Trump said he was reluctant to discuss further but the US might be on track for fewer deaths than projected.
It was thought that as many as 240,000 people in the US could die in the pandemic, according to the president's task force.
He also said the US might be getting to the top of the "curve" of the outbreak.
During the briefing, he also attacked the World Health Organization (WHO), saying it had issued bad advice and had been too focused on China.
"The WHO really blew it. For some reason, funded largely by the United States, yet very China centric," he said.
He also said the US would be withholding money meant for the WHO.
Latest Stories
-
EC recalls ballot papers for Ahafo, Volta regions over incorrect serial numbers
21 mins -
CDEPP Founder receives inaugural UGSoL Legends Award
27 mins -
Mahama promises year-round irrigation to revive cocoa farming
29 mins -
Election 2024: Many Ghanaians aren’t willing to vote – Ayariga
38 mins -
Let’s focus on early childhood education – PPP PC for KEEA urges politicians
48 mins -
Girls in ICT training in Ashanti Region showcases transformative power of technology
49 mins -
Prioritise Western North Region in 24-hour economy policy – Chief of Sehwi Boinzan
55 mins -
AFCON 2025Q: Jordan Ayew leads the line, debut for Razak Simpson as Otto Addo names lineup for Angola clash
1 hour -
2 in critical condition as immigration officers clash with Shia residents in V/R
1 hour -
Tyson slaps Jake Paul during weigh-in
1 hour -
Atebubuman Education Secretariat launches radio-based classes to improve BECE success rate
1 hour -
Don’t go on strike, let’s negotiate – NLC to TEWU
2 hours -
KNUST’s Prof Antwi-Agyei appointed to UN panel of experts for Resilient Food Systems Report
2 hours -
Bawumia’s promise for free dialysis treatment empty campaign gimmick – Mintah Akandoh
2 hours -
Former Asante Kotoko coach Michael Osei passes on at 53
2 hours