‘It’s punishing’: Covid killing one-two Americans ‘every minute’

New coronavirus cases and deaths are reaching levels not seen since the peak of the first wave in April, with just weeks to go until families and loved ones gather for the Christmas and New Year holidays.

Covid-19-related deaths have climbed to more than 2,200 a day, while new infections are being recorded at an average of 200,000 every 24-hours for the first time, official figures show.

States from California to Massachusetts are reporting growing numbers of cases, as hospitals in cities across the country edge towards breaking point.

Some 284,000 Americans have died with Covid-19, with 100,000 more currently hospitalised with the disease. CDC officials are due to meet with Pfizer this week to discuss an emergency approval application for the company's vaccine.