Fauci: United States could see ‘well over 300,000’ COVID-19 deaths

Anthony FauciAnthony FauciFauci urges Americans to conduct ‘risk-benefit assessment’ ahead of Sunday holiday travel shows – Virus outbreak dominates ahead of Thanksgiving holiday Fauci: ‘We are in a very difficult situation at all levels ” but “ help is on the way ” MORE, the country’s leading infectious disease doctor, warned Monday that deaths from COVID-19 could easily exceed 300,000 if the trajectory of the pandemic does not change.

The number of coronavirus cases, deaths and hospitalizations has been rising for weeks with no sign of slowing down as the United States faces another wave of the pandemic.

“We are now over 250,000 dead, a quarter of a million dead. You could get well over 300,000 and almost more than that if we don’t change things, “Fauci said during an event broadcast live in The Washington Post.

He stressed that reaching that number is not inevitable if people practice public health measures, such as wearing masks and social distancing.

“I don’t want this to be an apocalyptic statement. It is in our power not to let these numbers happen, ”he said.

“The point is, you don’t have to accept these numbers as inevitable.”

Fauci’s comments come ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday, when millions of people are expected to travel and meet up with friends and family outside of their homes, despite advice from public health experts.

The United States averages about 170,000 new cases of COVID-19 per day, a 54% increase from the average two weeks ago.

The gatherings could speed up the pandemic, experts warn.

“You may want to reconsider your travel plans, and certainly try your best to keep congregation meetings indoors – as innocent and wonderful as they seem – to a minimum number of people, preferably. just members of a household, ”Fauci said.

“I know it is a difficult thing to do, but we are in a very difficult situation, so it is better to be careful now and to look forward to many more in the future, either to put you in danger or for a vulnerable member of your family or friends. “