Washington, D.C. (Wednesday, September 23, 2020) – The United States coronavirus death toll topped 200k yesterday and now experts are predicting that number could nearly double by next year.

The Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation at the University of Washington estimates the U.S. death toll will likely hit nearly 380,000 by the end of this year.  Officials say while that projection is staggering, the loss of life could reach more than 445,000 by the end of 2020 if health and safety mandates are relaxed.

The U.S. COVID-19 death toll is now the highest in the world.  Health experts say by the end of this year, we will likely have more coronavirus deaths than suicide, kidney disease, diabetes, influenza, and pneumonia combined.