Deaths due to the novel Coronavirus in the US are expected to reach almost 4,00,000 by February 1, 2021, according to a new forecast. The new forecast released by the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) at the University of Washington, revealed that peak daily deaths in the country in January 2021 will be over 2,200, and the total would reach 3,94,693 by February 1. If mandates ease, the death toll would increase to over 5,02,000 by February 1.

If masks are universally adopted, which would mean about 95 per cent of people consistently wearing them, the IHME predicts about 3,15,800 deaths. Expanding mask use to the level seen in Singapore can decrease cumulative deaths, saving 79,000 lives between now and that date, said the IHME. The IHME model also projected that some 1,13,199 additional hospital beds will be required by February 1 to deal with the heavy inflow of infected patients.