World coronavirus infections surpass 40 million

The Associated Press, Nexstar Media Wire

Updated: Oct 19, 2020 / 06:35 AM CDT

A face mask was left behind near the Euro sculpture in Frankfurt, Germany, early Monday, Oct. 19, 2020. (AP Photo/Michael Probst)

LONDON (NewsNation Now) — The number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 across the world has passed 40 million, according to Johns Hopkins University.

Researchers reported that the milestone was passed early Monday.

The actual worldwide figure of COVID-19 cases is likely to be far higher, as testing has been variable. Many people have had no symptoms, and some governments have concealed the true number of cases.

To date, more than 1.1 million confirmed virus deaths have been reported, according to Johns Hopkins.

The U.S., Brazil and India are reporting by far the highest numbers of cases, although the increase in recent weeks has been driven by a surge in Europe.

The Associated Press and Nexstar Media Wire contributed to this report.