US President Joe Biden gave a sombre address to the nation as the country marked the 'grim milestone' of more than 500,000 Covid deaths. The United States on Monday crossed the staggering milestone just over a year since the coronavirus pandemic claimed its first known victim in Santa Clara County, California. In a proclamation honouring the dead, President Joe Biden ordered the US flag to be flown at half-staff on public buildings and grounds until sunset on Friday. A few moments later, Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris and their spouses appeared wearing black clothing and black masks. About 19 per cent of total global coronavirus deaths have occurred in the United States while the nation accounts for just 4 per cent of the world's population.

Source: Daily Mirror February 23, 2021 03:14 UTC