The number of deaths from the novel coronavirus, COVID-19 topped 1,000 Thursday as the Senate passed a historic $2 trillion stimulus package aimed at helping workers and businesses across the country that have been hit hard by the outbreak.

Meanwhile, the global death toll surpassed 20,000, with more than 487,000 cases reported worldwide.

Here is your COVID-19 update for Thursday, March 26:

Senate Passes $2 Trillion Stimulus Package

As the coronavirus pandemic continues to wreak havoc on the American economy, lawmakers in the Senate overwhelmingly passed a massive $2 trillion stimulus late Wednesday meant to help cushion the economic blow dealt to the country by the virus.

The 880-page bill passed 96-0 late Wednesday contains several measures to help Americans and businesses, including direct cash payments to Americans, expanded benefits for unemployment insurance and forgivable bridge loans for struggling industries.

Under the plan, $1,200 checks would be sent to Americans who made up to $75,000 a year, with couples who make up to $150,000 receiving $2,400. Individuals and couples are also eligible for an additional $500 per child. Payments would be decreased for individuals making more than $75,000, with checks phasing out completely for those who make more than $99,000 per individual or $198,000 for couples.

Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said that following the bill's passage, they would be able to send checks out within three weeks.

Other measures in the bill include about $100 billion has been set aside for hospitals, $350 billion in assistance for small businesses, $500 billion in aid for corporations, including airlines and cruise lines that have been hit hard by the outbreak. Another $150 billion has been set aside for state and local stimulus funds.

Unemployment benefits were also expanded for four months, by increasing payments and extending benefits to those who would otherwise not qualify. The bill increases the maximum unemployment benefit states give a person by $600 per week, helping to ensure that workers around the country would receive their full pay for at least the next four months.

The House is expected to vote on the bill by Friday, where it has strong bipartisan support, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) said in a statement about the bill.

“Tonight, the Senate voted on legislation which, thanks to the leadership of Congressional Democrats, has been turned upside down from a Republican corporate focus to a Democratic workers-first focus," Pelsosi said.

Trump was also pleased to see the bill pass, writing on Twitter: "96-0 in the United States Senate. Congratulations AMERICA!"

Senate Majority Leader also said he was pleased to see both sides come together in passing the bill, just weeks after the Senate voted on the impeachment of President Trump.

"From arguably the most partisan, divisive thing you could possibly do to coming together entirely, 100 of us, to meet this challenge, I think, says a lot about the United States Senate as an institution, our willingness to put aside our differences and to do something really significant for the country," he said.

Following the bill's passage, the Senate adjourned until April 20.

Coronavirus Death Toll Passes 1,000 in the U.S. After Spike in Coronavirus Deaths

The death toll from the novel coronavirus in the United States surpassed 1,000 on Thursday, according to data collected by Johns Hopkins University as the country experienced its deadliest day yet, with 223 deaths recorded.

Four days ago, the death toll in the U.S. was 326.

The majority of deaths have occurred in New York, where 366 have passed away from the disease. Nearly half of the cases in the U.S. have been confirmed in New York. Other states that have been hit hard by the virus, including Washington, California, and Louisiana, have all seen a significant death toll from the virus, where it has spread rapidly, even as officials issue stay at home orders and close nonessential businesses.

Officials in at least 21 states have issued stay-at-home orders. Nonessential businesses have been closed and gatherings and individuals are being asked to limit their outdoor activities and maintain at least six feet of distance between each other.

The enormous effort to combat the coronavirus has seen extraordinary measures being taken, including recruiting medical students and helping them graduate early to help reinforce staffs at beleagured hospitals across New York.

The U.S. Army has even reached out to retired medical personnel asking if they'd be willing to volunteer in combating the coronavirus. A spokesperson for the Army said they were requesting information for planning purposes only and did not want to interfere with civilian medical efforts, CNN reported.

World Health Organization Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said at a media briefing the world had an opportunity now to act and control the virus.

“This virus is public enemy number one,” Tedros said.

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