With spikes in cases, US could reach 200,000 deaths by September, says top Harvard doctor [Video]

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:

• About 800 to 1,000 Americans die from the coronavirus every day.  If this trend continues by September, the US could have 200,000 deaths. 
• Arizona, North and South Carolina, Florida, and Texas have spikes in people getting positive for the coronavirus. 
• With the easing of pandemic restrictions and reopening, the number could still rise. Wearing of masks is still recommended throughout the summer and even after.

The US has reached over 2 million cases of the coronavirus. About  800 to 1,000 Americans die every day due to the virus.  If this continues and with the spikes in cases, by September, the US could reach 200,000 deaths.  It is a grim scenario but is possible.

As top Harvard doctor, Ashish Jha told NBC’s Today, “The numbers are concerning particularly in states like Arizona, North and South Carolina, Florida and Texas — places where we’re seeing pretty consistent increases,”.

This came as spikes in the cases after the Memorial Day weekend have been recorded in these states.  Although the expanded nationwide testing has contributed greatly to the number, this does not explain the increased number of hospitalizations in some states. 

Doctor Jha said that with it being summer and people staying outdoors, they were hoping that the numbers would go down but it increased so fast instead.

The US has been easing its pandemic restrictions as calls to reopen industries also rise.  These two could also be possible contributing factors.

Unless a vaccine will be available soon, the number of cases will continue to rise.  The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reiterates its call to wear masks or facial protective covering for the nose, mouth, up to the chin throughout the summer or even after.

Asish noted what many health experts have been saying, that the pandemic will continue until a vaccine is widely available, which could take until next year.

Source: The Hill