The 70-year-old Texas nurse came out of retirement to help once the coronavirus pandemic hit, despite the risks.

Tuesday saw both another record case count and a new high in hospitalizations, with nearly 62,000 patients now receiving medical care for COVID-19.

U.S. cases have risen by over 100,000 for three out of the last seven days, putting pressure on hospitals in several states.

The surging cases and hospitalizations reflect the challenge that either President Donald Trump or former Vice-President Joe Biden will face in the coming months over the pandemic, with winter and the holidays approaching.

Health experts had warned that it was only a matter of time before deaths turned upward, given the record-breaking surge in cases engulfing the country.

The top U.S. infectious disease expert said the country faced a "whole lot of trouble" if it did not encourage universal wearing of face masks and avoid mass gatherings.

The coronavirus milestone also comes three days after the country's death toll surpassed 200,000, with over 700 more people dying per day since.

DeWine, 73, said he didn't know how he contracted the coronavirus and he's already been keeping his distance from family and staff. DeWine said he feels fine with no symptoms.

Friday saw the month end with a new record one-day increase in deaths: at least 1,453, surpassing the previous record set on May 27.

Thursday also saw more than 1,000 deaths from COVID-19 in 24 hours for the third day in a row.