New York virus deaths surge past 3,500

5 April New York : New York state has recorded 630 more coronavirus deaths, another daily record that takes its toll to 3,565.

Most deaths have been in New York City. The state now has almost as many cases – over 113,000 – as the whole of Italy. Governor Andrew Cuomo said infections could peak in between four and 14 days.

“Part of me would like to be at the apex and just let’s do it. But there’s part of me that says it’s good that we’re not at the apex because we’re not yet ready,” he said.

Mr Cuomo said the state was continuing its search for more ventilators. He thanked China for sending 1,000 ventilators, which were due to arrive on Saturday. The state of Oregon would deliver 140 more, he said.

In his daily coronavirus briefing, US President Donald Trump said he had assured Mr Cuomo that New York would get the resources it needs. However, Mr Trump said federal assistance will now be focused on the hardest-hit areas, adding: “There will be a lot of death, unfortunately.”

The US has more than 300,000 confirmed coronavirus cases and more than 8,000 people have died with the virus.

Globally, more than 60,000 people have died and more than 1.1 million have been infected, Johns Hopkins University in the US says.