The weekly number of new global coronavirus cases reported last week reached its highest level yet, the World Health Organization said.

The big picture: From September 14-20, there were nearly 2 million new cases, a 6% increase compared to the previous week, the WHO said.

By the numbers: Globally, almost 970,900 people have died from COVID-19 and over 31.6 million have tested positive, Johns Hopkins data shows.

The U.S. has reported the highest death toll and case count from the novel coronavirus, surpassing 200,000 fatalities and approaching 6.9 million infections Tuesday.

Brazil has reported the second-highest number of deaths from COVID-19 — over 138,100. India has the second-highest number of cases — over 5.6 million.

What's happening:

Between the lines: Policy responses to the crisis have been every-country-for-itself and — in the case of the U.S. and China — tinged with geopolitical rivalry. But the scientific work to understand the virus and develop a vaccine has been globalized on an unprecedented scale.

Coronavirus symptoms include: Fever, cough, shortness of breath, repeated shaking with chills, muscle pain, headaches, sore throat and a loss of taste or smell.

Editors note: The graphic includes "probable deaths" that New York City began reporting on April 14. This article has been updated with new details throughout. Check back for the latest.

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