The Johns Hopkins University, which tracks COVID-19 rates, said 40 million people have had the virus and 1.1 million people have died due to COVID-19.
The 40 million milestone was likely reached earlier, according to researchers, as they expect COVID-19 infections are undercounted.
The U.S. continues to lead the world as far as being the country with the most COVID-19 infections - 8.2 million - and deaths - 219,676.
Brazil has the next highest rates for COVID-19 infections in the world with 7.5 million patients since the start of the outbreak. There have been 114,610 deaths.
Click here to follow Daily Voice Harrison and receive free news updates.