WASHINGTON – The US director of public health warned Sunday that due to the number of deaths caused by the coronavirus, “this will be the hardest week, the saddest week, in the lives of most Americans.”
Jerome Adams added: “Next week will be our Pearl Harbor moment, it will be our September 11 moment, it will be the most difficult time for many Americans in their entire lives.”
In declarations in several television programs, he indicated: “It will happen throughout the country, and I want the whole nation to understand it.”
The number of people infected with the virus in the United States exceeds 300,000 and the death toll stands at more than 8,400. More than 4,000 of those deaths occurred in New York State.
Much of the American population has orders to stay home, and authorities assert that there are indications that the population is abiding by instructions on social distancing. However, the government also emphasizes that the worst is yet to come.
In most people, the new coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms that disappear in two to three weeks. In some people, especially older adults and those with underlying health conditions, it can lead to more serious illnesses, such as pneumonia, and even death. Most people recover.
Although the health authorities recommended the use of masks to prevent the spread, experts ask not to let their guard down.
Some states have refused to order citizens to stay home. Adams was asked on NBC’s “Meet the Press” if those states should join the rest of the country.
“90% of Americans are doing their part even in states where they were not ordered to stay home,” Adams said.
“If a state cannot do it for 30 days, then give us a week, give us what they can, so that our health system is not overwhelmed this week.”
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