Coronavirus Update: U.S. deaths near 80,000, infection breeches White House

The number of deaths from the coronavirus in the U.S. is fast approaching the 80,000 mark, as the spread of the contagious appears to be flattening but not abating, as Americans yearn to return to work and a more everyday life.

As proof of the virus’ ability to infect and spread, two White House staffers  – a valet for President Trump and a spokeswoman for Vice President Pence – have tested positive in recent days, despite daily testing. 

The outbreak has purportedly resulted in Pence and several others going into a least a limited quarantine, including Dr. Anthony Fauci, a key member of the White House coronavirus task force. 

The U.S. as of Monday morning had 79,552 virus-related deaths and 1.3 million confirmed cases, among the more than 4 million worldwide, according to the Johns Hopkins Coronavirus Resource Center. 

As countries around the world try to reopen after what appears to be the worst of the virus having passed, concerns are being raised about a second round of infection. 

In Wuhan, China, where the virus started, officials are reportedly seeing a second wave of infections, after slowly reopening in recent weeks.

Also on Monday, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo set out a plan to easy his coronavirus restrictions for regions that meet a 7-point criteria.