The Friday morning, April 24 Johns Hopkins COVID-19 Dashboard shows the relentless spread of COVID-19 around the globe.  This update is as of 5:55 a.m.  The map updates frequently throughout the day as new data is added.

Worldwide:  cases — 2,745,677;   deaths — 193,042

U. S.:  cases — 872,122;  deaths — 50,106

Most states still have restrictions on movement and have “stay at home” order.  Some U. S. states — George, South Carolina, and Tennessee — are greatly easing restrictions starting today.

Hawaii’s case count is at 596, with 444 people recovered–76%.  Hawaii Island, according to the State Department of Health, has 68 cumulative cases, with 39 people released from isolation.  The McDonald’s Kona cluster count is 32 (as reported).   Kona Community Hospital now has one person hospitalized with COVID-19, and previously, State Health Director Bruce Anderson stated that one person associated with the McDonald’s cluster had to be hospitalized on O’ahu.

COVID-19 symptoms are similar to the season flu, influenza.  For a look at how season flu affects the country and world, click here.