Coronavirus latest: 94% of COVID deaths in US had underlying conditions, CDC says
The novel coronavirus has infected more than 25 million people worldwide.
A pandemic of the novel coronavirus has now killed more than 847,000 people worldwide.
Over 25.3 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 6 million diagnosed cases and at least 183,399 deaths.
California has the most coronavirus cases in the U.S., with more than 708,000 people diagnosed, according to Johns Hopkins data. California is followed by Texas and Florida, with over 630,000 cases and over 623,000 cases respectively.
Nearly 170 vaccine candidates for COVID-19 are being tracked by the World Health Organization, six of which are in crucial phase three trials.
Latest headlines:
California coronavirus cases climb over 700,000
The number of people in California diagnosed with the coronavirus climbed over 700,000 on Monday, according to data from the state's Department of Health.
With at least 704,085 confirmed cases, California has more coronavirus cases than any other state in the U.S.
Of those tested across the state in the last two weeks, 5.3% were positive for the virus, according to the state.
California's death toll stands at 12,933.
ABC News' Matt Fuhrman contributed to this report.
USDA extends school meal waivers through Dec. 31
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has extended waivers allowing the distribution of meals to students outside of physical schools due to the pandemic through Dec. 31. This follows calls from school officials and anti-hunger groups who were concerned some students would go hungry if they continued with virtual-only learning.
But the USDA has not extended the waivers passed Dec. 31, saying Congress has not appropriated money to fund the additional cost to the programs.
"While there have been some well-meaning people asking USDA to fund this through the entire 2020-2021 school year, we are obligated to not spend more than is appropriated by Congress," the USDA said in a press release.
Congress also has not extended the Pandemic EBT program which gave families monetary benefits to cover the cost of meals children would have eaten at school, in some cases directly loaded onto their SNAP cards. The program has been lauded as the most sustainable way to help families struggling financially because they can buy food for themselves and spend at retailers in their area.
ABC News' Stephanie Ebbs contributed to this report.
NJ to reopen indoor dining with limited seating
Restaurants across New Jersey can start opening for indoor dining this Friday, Gov. Phil Murphy announced Monday.
Restaurants will be limited to 25% capacity and must incorporate social distancing between tables, he said.
"Reopening responsibly will help us restore one of our state’s key industries while continuing to make progress against" the virus, Murphy tweeted.
Staff must wear masks at all times and diners must wear masks while not in their seats, Murphy said at a Monday news conference. Parties will be capped at eight.
Windows must be open for air flow and air conditioning units must be turned on to allow the maximum outdoor air to flow into dining areas, the governor added.
Movie theaters and indoor performance venues can also reopen on Friday, the governor announced. Theaters and venues will be capped at 25% capacity or 150 patrons -- whichever number is smaller, he said.
New Jersey ranks No. 8 in the country for COVID-19 cases, with over 191,000 people diagnosed, according to Johns Hopkins data. Out of those tested across New Jersey on Thursday, 1.41% were positive, Murphy said Monday.
India sees its 2nd-highest daily case increase
India's health ministry reported 78,512 new coronavirus cases on Monday, just shy of Sunday's record high of 78,761 new cases.
Indian health authorities reported 971 new fatalities on Monday, bringing the nationwide death toll to 64,469.
With over 193,000 active cases, Maharashtra is India's hardest-hit state.
ABC News' Christine Theodorou contributed to this report.