The US coronavirus death toll could reach 100,000 to 240,000 even if social distancing guidelines are maintained, the White House projected Tuesday, as President Trump warned of a “rough two-week period” ahead.
Without strict efforts to control the virus or compliance of the federal guidance, the number of American coronavirus fatalities can reach a staggering 2.2 million, according to models presented by White House coronavirus task force experts, Drs. Anthony Fauci and Deborah Birx.
“I want every American to be prepared for the hard days that lie ahead,” President Trump said at the task force’s daily press briefing. “We’re going to go through a very tough two weeks.”
“Our strength will be tested, and our endurance will be tried. But America will answer with love, courage and ironclad resolve. This is the time for all Americans to come together and do our part,” the president said.
Coronavirus has claimed the lives of more than 3,500 Americans and sickened 170,000 more as of Tuesday.
President Trump on Sunday extended federal social distancing guidelines until April 30 as the outbreak continues to spread across the country.
Fauci, the nation’s top infectious disease expert, called the projections “sobering,” but said “we should be prepared for it.”
“It will be difficult, no one is denying that we are going through a really difficult time right now.”
On Monday, Fauci said he anticipates another coronavirus outbreak will strike the US in the fall.
With Post wires