Trump: "The Peak of COVID-19 Is Approaching"

[Image source=EPA Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Seulgina Cho] On the 10th (local time), U.S. President Donald Trump stated that the number of deaths from the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in the United States is expected to be much lower than initially predicted, and assessed that the spread of infections is nearing its peak.

According to CNN and other outlets, President Trump said at the White House COVID-19 task force press conference that "It looks like the number of deaths in the U.S. from COVID-19 is heading toward a figure much lower than 100,000." Previously, the White House had released a predictive model estimating at least 100,000 deaths in the U.S. even with social distancing measures in place.

President Trump did not disclose new projections on this day. However, he suggested that the new estimate is around 60,000 deaths, saying "60,000 deaths is still a large number." He further explained that the infection rate in the U.S. is approaching its peak and that the nationwide COVID-19 infection curve is flattening.

Debbie Bux, White House COVID-19 response coordinator, said, "For the first time, we can see the outbreak curve starting to flatten like Italy did a week ago," adding, "It is encouraging to see such changes beginning." However, she emphasized that the peak has not yet been reached and stressed the need to comply with guidelines such as social distancing.

On this day, President Trump reaffirmed his desire to normalize the U.S. economy as soon as possible but stated that normalization will not occur until the public is assured of maintaining their health. He said, "There is a specific date I hope for," but emphasized that he is listening to his advisors and considering both sides of the debate. Local media have reported that President Trump wants to resume economic activities starting in May, when the social distancing guidelines are set to expire.

Additionally, President Trump announced that around the 14th, he will unveil a bipartisan, tentatively named "Opening Our Country Council" to address issues related to resuming economic activities. The council is expected to include Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, White House National Economic Council Director Larry Kudlow, as well as various doctors, businesspeople, and governors.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.