WASHINGTON—U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) on Monday released the following statement after the United States surpassed 500,000 deaths related to COVID-19:

“This is a devastating moment for our nation and one that was completely preventable. No other country has had to bury as many people as the United States. My heart breaks for the hundreds of thousands of Americans who have lost someone to COVID-19,” said Murphy. “But today there is a renewed sense of hope and optimism. Cases are beginning to drop, vaccine distribution is beginning to ramp up, and we have an administration that is laser-focused on getting this pandemic under control. If we continue to stay vigilant and follow public health guidelines, like wearing a mask, limiting social gatherings, and continuing to stay socially distant, I have no doubt America can recover and rebuild.”

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