Published
3 years agoon
WASHINGTON — The White House on Tuesday projected 100,000 to 240,000 deaths in the U.S. from the coronavirus pandemic if current social distancing guidelines are maintained. President Donald Trump called American efforts to slow the spread of the coronavirus “a matter of life and death” and urged the public to heed his administration’s social distancing guidelines.
The comments came after Trump announced Sunday that he was extending to April 30 the social distancing guidelines that urged Americans to cease social gatherings, work from home, suspend onsite learning at schools and more in a nationwide effort to stem the spread of the virus.
It was an abrupt reversal for Trump, who spent much of last week targeting April 12 as the day he wanted to see Americans “pack the pews” for Easter Sunday services.
Many states and local governments already have stiffer controls in place on mobility and gatherings.
Trump spoke after another troubling day for the stock market, which has been in a free fall as the cononavirus ground the economy to a near-halt and left millions unemployed. The Dow Jones Industrial Average plunged more than 400 points, or roughly 1.9%, to seal the worst first-quarter finish of its 135-year history.
The Biden Admin Getting Ready for the End of the COVID Public Health Emergency
Ambulances, Hospitals for Real Medical Emergencies Only, Fresno Officials Say
COVID-19 Has Dramatically Lowered the Life Expectancy of Californians
Behind on Your Mortgage Payment? The State Can Help
Get COVID Tested and Treated in Same Fresno Visit
Fresno County Health Warns of Rising Flu and COVID Cases