The NHS in England is performing at its worst ever level against targets, including A&E and cancer treatment.
In 2016 more than 25,000 people waited for more than two months to start cancer treatment after an urgent referral - the highest on record.
The national director for operations and information at NHS England said frontline services came under "real pressure" in December, as figures showed a raft of targets missed.
Matthew Swindells said: "NHS frontline services came under real pressure in December with A&E, ambulances and NHS 111 all helping record numbers of patients and callers.
"Despite these pressures, it is a tribute to the professionalism and dedication of doctors, nurses and other staff in A&E that they continue to see, treat, admit or discharge the vast majority of patients within four hours.
"Also of note: the elective admissions growth rate accelerated in the third quarter to September-December, compared with the first six months of the year and the number of longest waiting patients fell this month."
The Democratic presidential candidate may also have shown his cards on his choice of running mate.
The US president also shared a post on Twitter accusing Dr Anthony Fauci of misleading the public over hydroxychloroquine.
Fears over an impending second wave of coronavirus dominates Wednesday’s front pages.