Today’s 7 a.m. update on the  Johns Hopkins COVID-19 Dashboard brings the grim news that the world is close to 1.5 million cases of COVID-19, with the United States now at 402,923 confirmed cases.  There have been more than 85,000 deaths worldwide attributed to COVID-19.

The United States’ official death toll stands at 13,007. Governor Andrew Cuomo today said there have been 6,268  deaths in the state,  but New York City Mayor Bill DeBlasio noted that the death toll is actually higher because of deaths at home that are not officially linked to COVID-19 because the individuals were not tested.  The New York City Health Department has reported just over 3,500 deaths.  DeBlasio in a Wednesday interview urged the public to continue to take COVID-19 extremely seriously and to isolate and quarantine as appropriate.

New York State continues to have the most cases in the country–149,316 positive for COVID-19, according to the New York State Health Department.

Hawaii reports 410 cases, with  5 deaths.  The State Department of Health shows Hawaii County with 23 cumulative cases.   Hawaii County Mayor Harry Kim’s Wednesday morning Civil Defense update says there are 27 cumulative cases in the county.