Coronavirus updates: 23 COVID-19 cases linked to Trump rallies
The outbreaks occurred at Trump campaign rallies in Minnesota last month.
A pandemic of the novel coronavirus has now killed more than 1.1 million people worldwide.
Over 43 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 8.6 million diagnosed cases and at least 225,230 deaths.
California has the most cases of any U.S. state, with more than 906,000 people diagnosed, according to Johns Hopkins data. California is followed by Texas and Florida, with over 892,000 cases and over 778,000 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.
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'We have never been as vulnerable as we are right now': Salt Lake City mayor
Following record-breaking COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations this week, Utah's hospitals are reaching capacity, according to Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall.
Gov. Gary Herbert plans to open a field hospital for overflow patients if hospitals become overrun, but Mendenhall stressed that extra beds "don't do anything to save lives" without additional health care workers to treat them.
According to the Utah Hospital Association, 20% to 30% of hospital staff aren't able to go to work because either they or a family member has contracted the virus.
"Nurses and doctors are working extended hours, around the clock," Mendenhall told ABC News Live's "The Breakdown." "They are exhausted."
ABC News' Terry Moran contributed to this report.
'Blatant disrespect' for scientists led to COVID-19 confusion, deaths: WHO
Countries in the northern hemisphere, particularly in Europe and North America, are seeing a concerning rise in infections and hospitalizations, as well as dwindling ICU beds, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, director general of the World Health Organization, said during a news conference in Geneva.
"Last week saw the highest number of COVID-19 cases reported so far," Tedros said.
When leaders act quickly, the virus can be suppressed, he noted. On the other hand, Tedros added, "Where there has been political division at the national level, where there has been blatant disrespect for science and health professionals, confusion has spread and cases and deaths have mounted."
ABC News' Christine Theodorou contributed to this report.
Dow down 720 points as COVID cases rise and stimulus hopes evaporate
The Dow was down 720 points today, or 2.5%, as COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations rose nationwide. At the same time, Americans' hope for a second round of stimulus checks evaporated.
"It looks like the clock’s run out" on a stimulus deal before the election, according to market research firm Fundstrat, and investors have turned pessimistic again.
Among the only stock market winners today is Zoom, up 2.5%, as the company continues to benefits from Americans working from home, while most other industries, including airlines and restaurant chains, struggle. Even tech giants Apple, Microsoft and Alphabet (Google), which have been relatively insulated from the pandemic, are slightly down today.
ABC News' Rebecca Jarvis contributed to this report.
New York’s micro-cluster strategy is working: Cuomo
COVID-19 testing positivity has fallen to 3.25% in New York's red zones, Gov. Andrew Cuomo said during a Monday news conference. The state's overall testing positivity rate is 1.18%, among the lowest in the nation during a time when daily cases, hospitalizations and testing positivity rates are rising around the country.
"The easiest way to control with the maximum benefit is to wear the mask," Cuomo said. Despite the fact that New York's micro-cluster approach to stemming the virus' spread appears to be working, the governor said he's concerned about the upcoming holiday season.
"We have one of the lowest rates in the country," Cuomo said. "I’m concerned about everybody else.”
El Paso County imposes nighttime curfew as hospitals and ICUs fill up
A nightly curfew has been issued for El Paso County in Texas, where COVID-19 infections have exploded in recent weeks.
El Paso County Judge Ricardo Samaniego ordered all residents to stay home between the hours of 10 p.m. and 5 a.m., starting Sunday night, for the next two weeks to help prevent further spread of infection. The curfew is not applicable for those traveling for work or essential services, only one person per household is allowed to access essential services at a time.
A fine of $250 will be handed down to those who aren't wearing a mask and $500 for any other violations of the order, Samaniego said.
El Paso County has seen a 160% increase in COVID-19 positivity rates since Oct. 1, as well as a 300% jump in hospitalizations. As of Saturday night, all hospitals and intensive care units in the area had reached 100% capacity, according to Samaniego.
"The purpose of the curfew is to limit mobility in the community," Samaniego said during a press conference Sunday night. "Currently, our hospitals are stretched to capacity."
ABC News' Marilyn Heck contributed to this report.