OVER FOUR MILLION cases of coronavirus has been reported in the United States (Pexels).

More than 4 million Americans have now been diagnosed with the novel COVID-19 virus. According to Johns Hopkins University’s tally, the total is now 4,007,859. Additionally 143,846 deaths have been recorded in the United States, the most of any nation in either category. On Wednesday, 71,700 cases were reported, which is the second-highest level reached in three months. Deaths in the U.S. on Thursday exceeded 1,100 for the third day in a row.

The national seven-day average of hospitalizations is also at near-high levels, according to United Press International.

New cases have risen by 27 percent over the last two weeks, reports the New York Times and deaths have increased by 41 percent over that period. The number of new cases have risen the most in Alaska, Maryland, Indiana, North Dakota and Mississippi.

The worldwide case count is now at 14,445,043, with global deaths at 632, 173.

Florida GOP convention is cancelled

In reaction to the coronavirus pandemic, President Donald Trump on Thursday announced that the big Republican National Convention planned this summer for Jacksonville, Florida has been cancelled.

“It’s a different world, and it will be for a little while,” said the president. “To have a big convention is not the right time.”

Trump won almost all the delegates contested over the primary and caucus season. A small assembly of Republican delegates will now formally nominate Trump on Aug. 24 in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Public health officials have been warning against holding large indoor meetings because of the risk of transmitting the COVID-19 virus. The Democrats have already decided to hold a “virtual” convention electronically instead of the traditional raucus four-day event.

Jacksonville officials raised other issues, including the short amount of time to prepare to their city, after the convention was moved from Charlotte. An estimated 10,000 people were to be in attendance at the event.

Also in the news …. Lewis to lie in state

• The body of John Lewis, a civil rights icon and long-serving member of the U.S. House of Representatives, will lie in state in the U.S. Capitol building in Washington, D.C. on Monday and Tuesday.
• Play ball! The virus-shortened 2020 Major League Baseball season began on Thursday. Virus specialist Dr. Anthony Fauci, wearing a mask, threw out the first pitch at a game between the New York Yankees and the Washington Nationals. The Yankees held a 4-1 lead before a rain delay interrupted play in the sixth.
• A federal judge on Thursday banned federal agents from arresting or “using physical force” against journalists and legal observers at the protests in Portland. The judge also ruled that they are exempt from orders requiring protesters to disperse once an unlawful assembly is declared.

Dodgers open weird season with 8-1 win over Giants

In a stadium devoid of fans except for cardboard cutouts behind home plate, the Los Angeles Dodgers opened a most unusual 2020 Major League Baseball season with an 8-1 victory over the San Francisco Giants Thursday night.

The Dodgers blew open a 1-1 contest with five runs in the seventh inning, en route to the victory, Enrique Hernandez was the hitting star for the home team, getting four hits in five at-bats. He drove in five runs and had a two-run home run in the eight that capped the scoring.

Dustin May made the start, working 4.1 innings and giving up just one run despite yielding seven hits. He struck out four batters and walked none. The win went to Adam Kolarek (1-0), who worked 1.2 perfect innings.

The series continues today (Friday) at Dodger Stadium with a 6:40 p.m. game. The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim will open their 2020 campaign today in Oakland as they start a series with the Athletics.

In other Thursday games:

• New York Yankees 4, Washington Nationals 1 (six innings, rain).