WASHINGTON — The United States, now seen as the new epicenter of the outbreak, reported 1,885 coronavirus deaths Tuesday, the highest single day death toll recorded in the country.

It brings the total number of deaths in the country to nearly 13,000, according to data compiled by US’ Johns Hopkins University.

The country has more than 398,000 confirmed cases, the highest number in the world. Global cases have exceeded 1.4 million.

More than 22,000 others have recovered from the disease.

The bulk of the deaths came hours after President Donald Trump warned that this week will be "very painful" for the US in terms of coronavirus-related casualties.

"During this painful week, we see glimmers of very, very strong hope. This will be a very painful week...at least part of next week, probably," said Trump at a White House coronavirus task force briefing.

Out of the total 1,885 deaths reported on Tuesday, New York state recorded 731 fatalities.

It is on the cusp of overtaking the entire country of Italy with its number of confirmed cases.

Governor Andrew Cuomo said the state appeared to be nearing the peak of its pandemic. Hospital and intensive care admissions were down.

Meanwhile the city of Wuhan in China, where the infection first emerged, ended its 11-week lockdown.

The governor urged people to stay inside and continue with social distancing.

"I know it's hard but we have to keep doing it," he said.

New Yorkers have been told to avoid large gatherings as Passover and Easter approaches. — Agencies