People have begun moving about more as states allow businesses to start reopening, which has caused the predicted number of deaths from the coronavirus to rise, according to a new report from the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation.
The IHME, which is described as an independent global health research organization at the University of Washington School of Medicine, predicts 137,184 cumulative COVID-19 deaths in the United States in total, a slight increase from the week before, according to a press release from the institute’s director, Dr. Christopher Murray.
“The increase is explained primarily by people’s movements, as captured in anonymous mobility data from cell phones,” said Murray. “We’re also seeing fewer deaths expected in some states; however, we’re now forecasting slower downward trajectories in deaths after states hit their peaks in daily deaths.”
He added that the models do not yet show a resurgence or a “return to exponential growth,” but mobility in states that have eased social distancing measures has increased significantly.
“While at least some of these patterns may be related to formal easing of social distancing policies, this upward trend in movement began in several places long before state-level mandates were relaxed,” Murray continued. “Unless and until we see accelerated testing, contact tracing, isolating people who test positive, and widespread use of masks in public, there is a significant likelihood of new infections.”
Theodore Bunker ✉
Theodore Bunker, a Newsmax writer, has more than a decade covering news, media, and politics.
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