Grim Coronavirus Projections For Iowa And The Nation
A new projection from a study being cited by national health officials shows that well over 700 Iowans will die from coronavirus by August 4th. The study shows the peak of the outbreak hitting Iowa by around April 17th.
The Gazette reports that the state-specific estimates are from the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, a University of Washington program cited by White House coronavirus advisers this week as being in line with the Trump administration's predictions. As of Tuesday, the state has reported 7 deaths from the virus.
Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds has said that her administration predicts the outbreak will peak in the state by mid to late April but refuses to provide specifics. Governor Reynolds says that measures have been taken to help flatten the curve and not overwhelm Iowa's health care system. But many worry that not enough is being done.
The White House task force gave the public it's first look at their best case coronavirus projection. Even with the public's best efforts at social distancing and business closures, between 100,000 and 250,000 people will die from coronavirus in the next few months.