Coronavirus was leading killer in US last week, overtaking heart disease, report says
- US could reach almost 800,000 deaths by April, according to Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation
- Widespread mask usage could cut that number to about 500,000, according to the study
Covid-19 killed more Americans last week than any other cause of death, according to the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation.
At least 11,820 people died from coronavirus in the United States during the week ending December 4, more than ischemic heart disease (10,724), tracheal, bronchus and lung cancer (3,965), and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (3,766), according to the new report.
As of Sunday, more than 14.7 million Americans have tested positive so far, with at least 282,000 deaths reported.
But daily infections continue to skyrocket as many states have eased their lockdowns, reopening schools, restaurants and bars and even sporting events.
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The Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation estimated peak infections under six different scenarios, including a universal mask mandate and a rapid vaccine roll-out.