Coronavirus Updates: More than 230,000 Americans have died of COVID-19

COVID-19 Live Updates, News and Information

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Sunday, November 1, 2020

More than 230,000 Americans have died of coronavirus

On Friday, the U.S. surpassed nine million cases. It was just two weeks ago that the country hit eight million cases.

NEW YORK (WABC) -- The United States has passed another grim milestone in the COVID-19 pandemic: more than 230,000 Americans have died from coronavirus.

On Friday, the U.S. surpassed nine million cases, according to Johns Hopkins. It was just two weeks ago that the country hit eight million cases.

What to know about coronavirus:

How coronavirus changed the New York region

Do you have coronavirus symptoms?

NYC COVID-19 positivity rate tracker

Here are more of today's headlines:

Thanksgiving warning

As COVID cases continue to spike across the country, Gov. Cuomo is warning against family gatherings this holiday season.

"I think we have to double down even though it is Thanksgiving. I understand the symbolism of Thanksgiving. I appreciate the desire to be with family. I really urge people to think twice this year."

COVID's impact on minorities

Gov. Cuomo and New York officials on Saturday, highlighted the disparities and inequalities of COVID affecting communities of color. They are pleading for a better health infrastructure in those communities that will allow for more testing, and more readily available vaccines once it becomes available.

557+ busted at illegal warehouse party in the Bronx

New York City Deputy Sheriffs shut down an illegal party inside a warehouse in the Bronx overnight.

The gathering on Halloween night at 1420 Seabury Avenue in the Bronx included more than 557 people in violation of emergency orders.

NY updated COVID numbers

Of the 148,935 tests reported Saturday, 2,255 were positive (1.51% of total). The number of total hospitalizations are at 1,125. Unfortunately, there were 17 COVID fatalities reported on Saturday. The test positivity rate in the focus areas under New York's Micro-Cluster strategy is 3.1%. The statewide positivity rate excluding these focus areas is 1.36%.

One World Observatory reopens

The Observatory atop One World Trade Center reopens Sunday. It will also welcome back guests next Saturday, then beginning on Nov. 14, will resume two-day weekend operations.

COVID-19 frontline workers and first responders will receive free admission through the end of the year when accompanied by a paying guest. The Observatory will operate at 25% maximum capacity with timed ticketing because of the pandemic.

Italy eyes more restrictions; wants schools open

Italian Premier Giuseppe Conte is expected this week to order more restrictions to combat the spread of COVID-19.

Conte addresses lawmakers at noon Monday to lay out the next measures and press for widespread public support after a week of nightly protests by Italians angered by limits on the personal freedom and the economic damage suffered by closed businesses. Conte was conferring on Sunday with governors and representatives from cities and towns in a bid to ensure local support. He has said he is determined to keep schools open if possible.

For two days straight, Italy registered more than 30,000 new confirmed infections. Just a week ago, Conte shuttered gyms, pools, cinemas and theaters and ordered bars and cafes to stop serving customers at 6 p.m., except for takeaway and delivery service.

COVID in Australia

Australia has recorded no new locally transmitted coronavirus infection for the first time in five months.

In Melbourne, the capital of Victoria state, which had the highest number of cases in the country, residents were enjoying the first weekend of cafes, restaurants and pubs reopening to walk-in customers.

The city only has one mystery case without a known source. There are 61 active cases left across the state, down from 70 on Saturday.

Illegal party shut down

The New York City Sheriff's Office shut down an illegal bar and party inside a warehouse in Brooklyn. The gathering at 23 Meadow Street in Williamsburg included more than 387 people allegedly in violation of emergency orders.

Nine organizers of the gathering were charged with multiple misdemeanors, including Administrative Code, Health Code & Alcoholic Beverage Control Law offenses.

Gov. Cuomo ends quarantine list, switches to testing plan for visitors

Governor Andrew Cuomo announced New York is moving away from the Tri-State Travel Advisory and will now require people coming to the state to test negative.

The newly unveiled quarantine policy will do away with the current Tri-State Travel Advisory list, and now mandates that anyone visiting the state must test negative or quarantine for 14 days with the exception of residents from contiguous states New Jersey, Connecticut and Pennsylvania.

England faces new lockdown as UK virus cases pass 1 million

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has announced that the government is putting all of England under a monthlong lockdown next week after being warned that a resurgent coronavirus outbreak will overwhelm hospitals in weeks without tough action. Johnson said in a televised news conference on Saturday that the new measures will begin Thursday and last until Dec. 2. He said without them, "we could see deaths in this country running at several thousand a day."

Know your NYC COVID Zone

You can find your COVID zone at NYC.gov/covidzone.