From 40,000 new cases detected per day, the United States could increase to 100,000 daily cases unless there are new interventions to stem the Covid-19 pandemic, warned Anthony Fauci, director of the American Institute of Infectious Diseases, on Tuesday.
"I wouldn't be surprised if we hit 100,000 a day if we don't reverse the trend," he said during a hearing at the United States Senate. "I am very worried because it could get worse." He declined to predict the number of deaths the current wave could cause, but according to an estimate released last week by the Centers for Disease Prevention and Control, the country could reach between 130,000 and 150,000 deaths by 18 July.
At least 126,000 dead
The current toll is at least 126,000 dead.
Four American states (California, Arizona, Texas, Florida) now account for half of the new cases.