The number of daily coronavirus infections in the United States has surpassed one million for the first time.

Data compiled by Johns Hopkins University show that new cases in the US hit a record high of more than 1.08 million on Monday. The prior record was 590,000 marked on December 30.

The number of infections has been rising rapidly in the country since last month. Observers say the spread of the highly transmissible Omicron variant is likely causing the hike.

Concerns are rising about the strain on medical services. In New York City, more than 5,000 coronavirus patients were hospitalized as of Sunday.

Officials fear further surges in the case count as many people traveled and dined together during the Christmas and New Year holidays.

The US government is urging people to get booster vaccine shots to increase their protection against the virus.