There have been at least 17,000,408 cases of COVID-19in the United States and at least 307,770 deaths as a result of coronavirus since the pandemic started, according to data compiled by Johns Hopkins University.  

On Dec. 12, the US hit 16 million cases. Five days later, on Dec. 17, the US hit 17 million cases.

This even as California reported a massive 53,711 new coronavirus infections Wednesday, a roughly 50 percent jump from the state's recent averages. 

With ICU wards packed and deaths at record levels, the nation's wealthiest and largest state has become the new epicenter of the U.S. outbreak. If California were a country, it would be among the world leaders in new coronavirus cases, ahead of India, Germany and Britain.

Wednesday was also the deadliest day for the United States to date, with at least 3,367 fatalities reported across the country.

(With input from agencies)