CORONAVIRUS cases in the US surpassed 2million on Wednesday, according to a Reuters tally.
The staggering number comes amid fears that mass protests around the US have contributed to a spike in the disease spread.
The US remains the top country worldwide for the most COVID-19 cases.
In addition to more than 2million people being confirmed to have the virus, deaths have surpassed 112,600 as of Wednesday.
Despite an increase of cases in 21 states across the US, the country is continuing to gradually reopen.
Cases have climbed in states including Arizona, Arkansas and Utah after they reopened local businesses amid the outbreak.
Michigan has seen a 158 percent increase in the week ending June 7, compared to the previous week, according to Reuters.
Arkansas saw a 63 percent jump, New Mexico saw a 62 percent increase, and Florida saw a 47 percent rise in COVID-19 cases in just a week.
Some health experts have also expressed fears that protests across the country may contribute to a surge in cases.
Thousands of people across the country have gathered to the death of George Floyd, a 46-year-old Black man who died after a cop kneeled on his neck during an arrest.
Public outrage was sparked when video of Floyd saying “I can’t breathe” multiple times as now ex-cop Derek Chauvin kneeled on his neck emerged.
Chauvin has been arrested and charged – along with three other officers involved in the incident.
Protesters continue to gather and show support for the Black Lives Matter movement and call for an end to police brutality and systemic racism.
An undisclosed number of National Guard members who were deployed to the protests have since tested positive for the virus.
Dr. Anthony Fauci, head of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, said that the protests are a “perfect setup” for a second wave of virus spread.
“It’s a perfect setup for further spread of the virus in the sense of creating these blips which might turn into some surges,” Fauci told WTOP radio on Friday.
“I get very concerned, as do my colleagues in public health, when they see these kinds of crowds,” he added.
“There certainly is a risk. I can say that with confidence.”
He expressed understanding for the protests, and people’s right to demonstrate.
“It’s a delicate balance because the reasons for demonstrating are valid and yet the demonstration itself puts oneself at an additional risk,” Fauci added.
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