Redfield said that there is already some good news in terms of the mortality rate from coronavirus, with the total number of stateside deaths expected to go down in the coming weeks. “Hopefully, next week, we’ll start to see a decline,” he said, noting that there is a testing lag of up to four weeks that influences overall COVID case numbers and mortality data. In order for the U.S. to see the decline in COVID cases and deaths continue, Redfield said, “the most important thing we can do is…protect the vulnerable around us,” including the elderly and those with preexisting conditions that can make COVID more severe, like obesity, diabetes, hypertension, lung disease, and kidney disease.ae0fcc31ae342fd3a1346ebb1f342fcb While Redfield was optimistic about the COVID death rate’s continued downward trajectory, he made clear that complacency regarding mask-wearing and other COVID prevention strategies could see those numbers rise again, especially once flu season starts. “Come the fall, if we have the flu causing its problems and we have COVID causing its problems and they build on each other, we could end up with another loss of significant life,” he explained. RELATED: For more up-to-date information, sign up for our daily newsletter. However, with risk mitigation steps in place, Redfield says there could be a secondary benefit in the coming months until a vaccine is made available. “I’m hopeful that the steps we take to prevent COVID are going to prevent flu and other respiratory viruses,” he said. Redfield added that, between enough people opting for a flu vaccine this year, continued efforts to prevent the spread of COVID, and the eventual widespread administration of a coronavirus vaccine, “we’ll begin to see our nation get through this pandemic.” And if you’re worried you may have contracted the virus, check out These Are the 51 Most Common COVID Symptoms You Could Have.
