The United States recorded more than 1,000 deaths from COVID-19 Tuesday, equivalent to about 42 deaths per hour, according to a Reuters count, while the Delta mutant of the virus continues to spread rapidly in parts of the country with low vaccination rates.

Deaths related to the Corona virus in the United States increased during the past month, and amounted to an average of 769 cases per day, the highest rate since mid-April, according to a Reuters count.

The administration of President Joe Biden confirmed on Tuesday evening that it intends to extend the obligation for travelers to wear masks on planes, trains, buses, and at airports and train stations until mid-January.

Like many other countries, the Delta mutation is a major threat in the United States.

The Reuters tally, which is based on official data, showed 1,017 deaths recorded Tuesday, which brings the number of deaths due to the pandemic to just under 623,000, in the largest number of deaths officially announced by any country in the world.

The last time the United States recorded more than 1,000 deaths per day from the virus was last March.