United States (US) overtakes China as it garners 82,404 coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases with over 1,000 deaths, Johns Hopkins University reported.
“We’re doing tremendous testing, and I’m sure you’re not able to tell what China is testing or not testing. I think that’s a little hard,” President Donald Trump told the media.
Moreover, President Trump’s tweet referring to the pandemic being the “Chinese virus” has sparked controversy recently.
twitter.com/realdonaldtrump/status/1240243188708839424
So now that the country leads the number of COVID-19 cases worldwide, people (mostly Americans) are starting to call it the “American virus” in reference to their leader’s racism.
Since we're number 1 now, do we get to call it the american virus instead of chinese virus?
— ₿rian (@BTraceSpace) March 26, 2020
The United States now has more confirmed cases of the coronavirus than any other nation. Or as they call it just to bother Trump, the “American Virus.”
— Bryan Behar (@bryanbehar) March 26, 2020
The United States now has the MOST cases of #Coronavirus IN THE WORLD! I guess we can start calling it the “American Virus” now. #COVIDIDIOT #AmericanVirus pic.twitter.com/d6rdMoFQIH
— Rob Gill (@vote4robgill) March 26, 2020
A few days later, President Trump expressed his support towards the country’s Asian-American citizens:
It is very important that we totally protect our Asian American community in the United States, and all around the world. They are amazing people, and the spreading of the Virus….
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 23, 2020
As the country with the third largest population of 330 million, spreading and transmitting the disease in the United States is more viable. Among its cities, New York currently has the most number of confirmed cases with 37,877 patients including 385 deaths. Next is New Jersey garnering 6,876 patients with 81 fatalities.