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Coronavirus updates: Delta puts 460 people on 'no-fly list' over mask violations

"A mask is among the simplest and most effective actions," Delta's CEO said.

ByMorgan Winsor and Emily Shapiro
Last Updated: October 25, 2020, 12:19 PM EDT

A pandemic of the novel coronavirus has now killed more than 1.1 million people worldwide.

Over 42 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 8.4 million diagnosed cases and at least 223,730 deaths.

California has the most cases of any U.S. state, with more than 894,000 people diagnosed, according to Johns Hopkins data. California is followed by Texas and Florida, with over 871,000 cases and over 771,000 cases, respectively.

Nearly 200 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 23, 2020, 3:44 PM EDT

Researchers say wearing masks could save over 100,000 lives through February

Researchers at the University of Washington "find that achieving universal mask use (95% mask use in public) could be sufficient to ameliorate the worst effects of epidemic resurgences in many states,"according to a paper published in Nature.

Universal mask use could save 129,574 (85,284–170,867) lives from Sept. 22 through the end of February 2021, the researchers said.

Assuming just 85% of people wear masks, 95,814 (60,731–133,077) lives could be saved, the researchers said.

People wearing face masks walk past a notice board with COVID-19 preventive instructions at a Macy's store in New York, Oct. 16, 2020.
Wang Ying/Xinhua via Getty Images

ABC News' Brian Hartman contributed to this report.

Oct 23, 2020, 3:43 PM EDT

Delta puts 460 passengers on 'no-fly list' due to mask violations

Delta has added 460 people to its "no-fly list for refusing to comply with our mask requirement," Delta CEO Ed Bastian said in an internal memo to employees.

"Wearing a mask is among the simplest and most effective actions we can take to reduce transmission, which is why Delta has long required them for our customers and our people," Bastian wrote Thursday.

Delta Air Lines passenger planes are seen parked due to flight reductions made to slow the spread of coronavirus disease, at Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport in Birmingham, Ala., March 25, 2020.
Elijah Nouvelage/Reuters, FILE

United said it has banned 335 customers from traveling on the airline due to noncompliance with the company's policy.

ABC News' Gio Benitez contributed to this report.

Oct 23, 2020, 12:10 PM EDT

Washington Football Team to allow 3,000 fans at stadium

The Washington Football Team will allow about 3,000 season ticket holders to attend its Nov. 8 game against the New York Giants, the team said Friday.

Everyone must wear a mask, use mobile ticketing, follow social distancing rules and pay without cash. Tailgating won't be allowed, the team said.

In this Sept. 13, 2020, file photo, seats at Fedex Field display the Washington Football Team logo in Landover, Md.
Susan Walsh/AP, FILE

The decision was made with "the state of Maryland's approval and under the supervision of Prince George's County," the team said, adding that it'll continue to re-evaluate fan numbers for future games.

ABC News' Leonardo Mayorga contributed to this report.

Oct 23, 2020, 11:54 AM EDT

Santa’s visit to Macy’s will be virtual this year

Despite a tradition started in 1861, Santa won’t be making his yearly trip to Macy’s New York City store this year due to the pandemic. Instead, his visit will be virtual.

Santa Claus float at the 93rd Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City, Nov. 28, 2019.
NBCU Photo Bank via Getty Images, FILE

From Nov. 27 to Dec. 24, families can take part in an “interactive, virtual experience” on the Macy’s website, Macy’s said in a statement Thursday.

"A special greeting from Santaland elves at the North Pole-bound train station kicks off the interaction," Macy’s said. "From there, the Elves will lead the way through Santa’s Village and Workshop, stopping to see the sights and play interactive games. At the finale of the journey, kids will meet Santa through a whimsical interactive video where they will be able to share their holiday wish list followed by snapping a selfie with Santa."

"Santa will also drop by @macys handles on a number of social media platforms including Facebook, Instagram and Twitter to engage with fans in his uniquely whimsical way," Macy’s added.

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