NYC's 26K Dead: City Honors Lives Lost In Coronavirus Pandemic

NEW YORK CITY — 26,161.

That's the number of New Yorkers who lost their lives to COVID-19 as of Tuesday — the day the nation's pandemic toll surpassed 400,000, according to the New York Times.

The grim milestone unfolded as New York City honored its dead at memorials— ringing church bells, lighted buildings, a ceremony at the Statue of Liberty — Tuesday night which were part of nationwide remembrances requested by President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris

"I think everyone out there, you know someone who we've lost or a family who lost someone — this has touched every one of us," de Blasio said Tuesday. "So, tonight, let's join together in true unity and give our hearts to those families who have lost loved ones and never forget them and resolve to move forward as a city and a nation."

New York City was the first place in the nation to face the pandemic's full brunt not even a year ago. The virus burned through entire neighborhoods, overwhelmed hospitals and strained funeral homes past capacity.

The city may no longer be the nation's epicenter, but the pandemic still exacts a heavy toll.

De Blasio on Tuesday said the city sees 5,009 new cases a week on average. Deaths, which dropped to single digits per day over the summer, currently stand at 62 per day on a week-long average, according to city data.