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Coronavirus latest: Over 74K new cases in US children since early August, report says

There has been a 21% increase in cases among children since Aug. 6

ByMorgan Winsor and Matt Zarrell
Last Updated: August 26, 2020, 4:53 AM EDT

A pandemic of the novel coronavirus has now killed more than 821,000 people worldwide.

Over 24 million people across the globe have been diagnosed with COVID-19, the disease caused by the new respiratory virus, according to data compiled by the Center for Systems Science and Engineering at Johns Hopkins University. The criteria for diagnosis -- through clinical means or a lab test -- has varied from country-to-country. Still, the actual numbers are believed to be much higher due to testing shortages, many unreported cases and suspicions that some national governments are hiding or downplaying the scope of their outbreaks.

Since the first cases were detected in China in December, the virus has rapidly spread to every continent except Antarctica. The United States has become the worst-affected country, with more than 5.8 million diagnosed cases and at least 179,000 deaths.

Nearly 170 vaccine candidates for COVID-19 are being tracked by the World Health Organization, six of which are in crucial phase three trials.

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Aug 26, 2020, 4:53 AM EDT

CDC now says most people without symptoms don’t need to be tested

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention quietly updated its COVID-19 testing guidelines online Monday to suggest that people probably don’t need a test, even if they have been in close contact with someone who is infected or if they have attended a large gathering.

The new guidance directly contracts what CDC director Robert Redfield told ABC News last month: "Anyone who thinks they may be infected -- independent of symptoms -- should get a test.”

Redfield’s comments came as political protests erupted and President Donald Trump insisted on large indoor campaign rallies where most attendees didn’t wear masks. The CDC had updated its guidelines in July to specifically urge people without symptoms to get tested if they have come in contact with someone who has COVID-19, such as working the same shift at a job.

A health worker makes signs informing people of free COVID-19 testing to be placed along the boardwalk at Revere Beach in Revere, Massachusetts, on Aug. 11, 2020.
Joseph Prezioso/AFP via Getty Images

But now, the CDC says testing isn’t necessary so long as the individual doesn’t show symptoms.

“You do not necessarily need a test unless you are a vulnerable individual or your health care provider or State or local public health officials recommend you take one,” the CDC states on its website. 

ABC News has reached out to the CDC for comment.

ABC News’ Anne Flaherty contributed to this report.

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