Coronavirus cases in US could be 8 times higher than previously reported, CDC warns



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The spread of the coronavirus in the United States may be worse than previously known.

There could have been as many as 53 million cases of coronavirus in the United States by the end of September, according to a new estimate from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. This would be almost eight times as many cases as had been reported at that time.

Even now, the CDC is reporting fewer than 12.5 million confirmed cases in the United States since January. And COVID-19 has killed more than 259,000 Americans, according to the federal health agency.

The CDC estimated that only about 45 million of the 53 million people infected could have been ill with the virus, and only 2.4 million were hospitalized.

There could have been as many as 53 million cases of coronavirus in the United States by the end of September, according to a new estimate from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.  (iStock)

There could have been as many as 53 million cases of coronavirus in the United States by the end of September, according to a new estimate from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (iStock)

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Health officials have warned that people can carry and spread the coronavirus while showing only minor symptoms or even no symptoms.

If the CDC’s latest estimates are correct, that means its numbers are getting more accurate from the start of this year, which could be attributed to more widespread testing. In June, CDC director Dr Robert Redfield estimated there were 10 times more COVID-19 cases in the United States than had been counted.

Motorists line up for coronavirus tests by car at an unspecified location.  (Associated press)

Motorists line up for coronavirus tests by car at an unspecified location. (Associated press)

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The number of new coronavirus cases diagnosed in the United States has been rising steadily since early October, according to CDC data. The seven-day average number of new daily cases has hit a record high every day since Oct. 18 and has averaged over 171,000 daily cases this week.

Many states have added new restrictions in response to the increase in cases.

The CDC recommends taking precautions such as wearing a mask, social distancing and frequent hand washing to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. He also recommended that Americans celebrate Thanksgiving at home rather than traveling to visit family.

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