U.S. Coronavirus Death Toll Surpasses 100,000

Over 100,000 Americans have died from COVID-19 as of Wednesday, according to a tally by John Hopkins University.

The virus has affected more than 5.6 million people internationally and killed over 350,000. The U.S. has by far the highest amount of cases and deaths. Brazil has the second-highest number of cases at nearly 415,000, and the United Kingdom has the second-highest death rate with over 37,000 confirmed coronavirus deaths. Europe as a whole has about 170,000 deaths.

However, the true death toll is believed to be much higher, as experts say some died of COVID-19 without ever being tested for it.

The sobering landmark comes as states have pushed to reopen in order to counter the economic slowdown the virus caused. However, as some states have eased restrictions, large gatherings without social distancing and mask-wearing have ensued.

Dr. Anthony Fauci, the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, issued a warning to Americans failing to social distance after watching a video of Memorial Day crowds at a pool party in Missouri.

“We have a situation in which you see that type of crowding with no mask and people interacting. That’s not prudent, and that’s inviting a situation that could get out of control,” he told CNN Wednesday. “Don’t start leapfrogging some of the recommendations in the guidelines because that’s really tempting fate and asking for trouble.”

President Donald Trump initially downplayed the threat the virus posed, predicting on April 10 that the U.S. would not reach the 100,000 case mark.

“I think we’ll be substantially under that number,” Trump said. Ten days later, he said: “We’re going toward 50- or 60,000 people.” Ten days after that: “We’re probably heading to 60,000, 70,000.”

Despite Trump’s initial optimism, the numbers tell a different story: coronavirus has irreversibly impacted American life.