U.S. tops world in confirmed COVID-19 cases

Medical workers lift a patient that was infected by the coronavirus into an ambulance in New York City, U.S., March 26, 2020. /Reuters

On Thursday, the U.S. surpassed all other countries worldwide in the number of COVID-19 cases, with a total of 82,404 cases. China comes in second with 81,782.

Italy still records the highest number of deaths with more than 8,000, while Spain has 4,000.

In the U.S., the death toll has topped 1,000, and only 619 people have recovered from the virus.

While China has made impressive progress against the COVID-19 pandemic domestically, it's now looking to keep outside infections from making their way back in. The Chinese government announced on Thursday it will temporarily suspend entry of foreigners with valid visas or residence permits beginning March 28.

According to a statement released by the Chinese Foreign Ministry and National Immigration Administration, foreigners coming to China who engage in necessary economic, trade, scientific and technological activities, or for urgent humanitarian needs can apply for exemptions from Chinese embassies and consulates abroad.

A Hospital person is sanitizing medical equipment in California, U.S., March 24, 2020. /Reuters

Fatalities, meanwhile, continue to grow in Spain, where the death toll topped 4,000 on Thursday.

This was after the country surpassed China in the number of deaths related to COVID-19, now second only to Italy.

In another development, it's reported that the U.S. State Department is using planes that deport Central American migrants to their home countries to bring back U.S. citizens from Guatemala, Honduras, and El Salvador. The flights are being arranged in coordination with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

The U.S. State Department is reported to be tracking 50,000 Americans abroad that may need help returning to the U.S. because of travel restrictions and reduced commercial flights.

While the U.S. looks to ease the economic strain brought by the pandemic with a two trillion U.S. dollars stimulus package, Canadian lawmakers have also passed measures to fight the impact of the pandemic.

Canada's aid package includes 37 billion U.S. dollars in direct financial support for individuals and businesses and 39 billion dollars in tax deferrals.