US reaches record daily coronavirus death toll of 3,309

The United States saw 3,309 coronavirus-related deaths on Saturday according to data compiled by John Hopkins University, NBC Chicago reports.

231,775 new cases of coronavirus were also confirmed on Saturday, the highest daily increase in cases since the beginning of the pandemic. The United States currently leads the world in number of coronavirus cases, with over 16 million recorded positive test results.

The daily death toll is the highest the United States has seen since the start of the pandemic, topping the previous daily record from Wednesday of 3,124. The record-breaking death toll also comes the same day that the Food and Drugs Administration approved the coronavirus vaccine for use in the country.

A vaccine developed by Pfizer is supposed to begin rollout on Monday, with healthcare professionals being prioritized for treatment. One hundred and fifty distribution facilities are expected to receive the vaccine on Monday, with another 450 receiving dosages on Tuesday and Wednesday.

The vaccine faces difficulties in regard to distribution, however, as it has to be stored under extremely cold temperatures. It also requires massive logistical work to distribute coronavirus vaccines across the country as the entire nation remains plagued by the virus.

A second vaccine from Moderna is expected to begin rollout after it gets FDA approval next week.