Coronavirus updates: Hard-hit Wisconsin reports record high daily death toll

Hospitalizations have nearly tripled over the last month, the governor said.

ByMorgan Winsor and Emily Shapiro
Video byJessie DiMartino
Last Updated: October 21, 2020, 5:02 AM EDT

A pandemic of the novel coronavirus has now killed more than 1 million people worldwide.

Over 37.9 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 is the worst-affected country, with more than 7.8 million diagnosed cases and at least 215,549 deaths.

California has the most cases of any U.S. state, with more than 858,000 people diagnosed, according to Johns Hopkins data. California is followed by Texas and Florida, with over 821,000 cases and over 738,000 cases, respectively.

More than 190 vaccine candidates for COVID-19 are being tracked by the World Health Organization, at least 10 of which are in crucial phase three studies. Of those 10 potential vaccines in late-stage trials, there are currently five that will be available in the United States if approved.

Latest headlines:

Here's how the news developed today. All times Eastern.
Oct 13, 2020, 4:51 PM EDT

Wisconsin reports record high deaths

Hard-hit Wisconsin reported a record high daily death toll of 34 on Tuesday, bringing the state's total fatalities to 1,508, officials said.

Hospitalizations have nearly tripled over the last month, Gov. Tony Evers said at a news conference.

An alternate care facility at Wisconsin’s State Fair Park will open Wednesday with a 530-patient capacity to help alleviate some of the strain on the health care systems, Evers said.

Wisconsin's confirmed coronavirus cases rose by 3,279 in one day, now at a total of 155,471.

A window message reads "Send Help" at a residence hall at UW-Madison in Madison, Wisc. after the campus was shut down after a sharp rise in Covid-19 positive test results, Sept. 10, 2020.
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel via USA Today Network., FILE

"We let down our guard," Evers said. “The disillusion of Safer at Home. The state has disengaged from thoughtful mitigation practices.”

"Limit your errands to the essentials as much as you can," added Secretary-Designee Andrea Palm.

ABC News’ Rachel Katz contributed to this report.

Oct 13, 2020, 4:02 PM EDT

Philadelphia Eagles to welcome fans back this weekend

A few thousand Philadelphia Eagles fans will be allowed to return to the stadium for this Sunday’s game.

A new city rule going into effect Friday allows up to 7,500 people at very large outdoor venues, Philadelphia Health Commissioner Thomas Farley announced Tuesday.

Face coverings are required for everyone ages 2 and up, and all fans must social distance from each other, ABC Philadelphia station WPVI reported. Concession purchases will all be cashless, WPVI added.

Philadelphia Eagles mascot "Swoop" waves a flag in the stands where fans are replaced by cutouts during a game at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Sept. 27, 2020.
Eric Hartline/USA Today Network

The Eagles are “very precise when it comes to following a plan,” Mayor Jim Kenney said at a Tuesday conference. “Very strict rules when it comes to masks. And no tailgating.”

ABC News' Ben Stein contributed to this report.

Oct 13, 2020, 3:31 PM EDT

No. 1 ranked golfer tests positive

No. 1 ranked golfer Dustin Johnson tested positive for COVID-19 and has withdrawn from THE CJ CUP tournament, which begins on Thursday in Nevada, the PGA TOUR said.

Dustin Johnson plays his shot during the third round of the 120th U.S. Open Championship on Sept. 19, 2020 at Winged Foot Golf Club in Mamaroneck, N.Y.
Jamie Squire/Getty Images, FILE

Johnson was tested after experiencing symptoms, the PGA said.

"Obviously, I am very disappointed," Johnson said in a statement released by the PGA. "I was really looking forward to competing this week, but will do everything I can to return as quickly as possible. I have already had a few calls with the TOUR’s medical team and appreciate all the support and guidance they have given me."

ABC News’ Josh Hoyos contributed to this report.

Oct 13, 2020, 3:24 PM EDT

Eli Lilly Phase 3 trial paused for monoclonal antibody COVID-19 treatment

A Phase 3 trial for Eli Lilly's monoclonal antibody COVID-19 treatment has been paused following a potential safety concern. 

The trial, called ACTIV-3, is studying Eli Lilly's monoclonal antibody treatment, plus remdesivir, in hospitalized patients.

Monoclonal antibodies are synthetic versions of the natural antibodies made in response to infection.

Eli Lilly said in a statement: "Out of an abundance of caution, the ACTIV-3 independent data safety monitoring board (DSMB) has recommended a pause in enrollment. ... Lilly is supportive of the decision by the independent DSMB to cautiously ensure the safety of the patients participating in this study."

ABC News’ Sony Salzman contributed to this report.

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