Japan’s government is considering a state of emergency for Tokyo and Osaka as new Covid-19 case numbers surge, broadcaster NHK reported on Wednesday, a move that would enable prefectural authorities to impose curbs to try to stop infections spreading.

California surpassed New York on Feb. 9 as the U.S. state with the most coronavirus deaths, a grim reminder of the pandemic’s toll even as the vaccine rollout and a sharp drop in new cases buoyed hopes of life eventually returning to normal.

Tennessee emerged alongside California on Dec. 23 as an epicenter of the latest Covid-19 surge even while more than 1 million Americans have been vaccinated as U.S. political leaders sought to guard against a highly contagious coronavirus variant sweeping across Britain.

An intensive care unit nurse became the first person in New York state to receive the Pfizer/BioNTech Covid-19 vaccine on Dec. 14, marking a pivotal turn in the U.S. effort to control the deadly virus.

The number of reported global daily deaths from the coronavirus reached 10,816 on Nov. 17, according to a Reuters tally, the highest single-day death count as the virus’ global epicenter the United States entered winter.

The number of coronavirus cases in the United States crossed the 11 million mark, according to a Reuters tally, as the third wave of Covid-19 infections surged across the country.

The United States broke the country’s daily record for new coronavirus infections with a reported 84,218 new cases due to outbreaks in virtually every part of the country, according to a Reuters tally.

New York, New Jersey and Connecticut urged their residents to not travel between the three states as the U.S. Northeast sees a rise in Covid-19 cases, while California said major theme parks including Disneyland would not be opening anytime soon.

Global coronavirus cases rose by more than 400,000 for the first time, a record one-day increase as much of Europe enacts new restrictions to curb the outbreak.

Australian researchers said the virus that causes Covid-19 can survive on banknotes, glass and stainless steel for up to 28 days, much longer than the flu virus, highlighting the need for frequent cleaning and handwashing.