American epidemiologist says revised U.S. death toll forecast 'low'

03:02

"Unfortunately, I think that estimate is low."

That's how epidemiologist Dr. Devra Davis described a revised U.S. death toll forecast released by the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) at the University of Washington.

Based on IHME's coronavirus mortality model, nearly 134,475 Americans will die from COVID-19 by early August. That's nearly double the figures it initially predicted for this date.

This comes as most U.S. states ease business closures and stay-at-home orders.

Public health experts are concerned that rising mobility will lead to increased transmissions.

But Dr. Davis adds, "I'm afraid that what we're seeing now is a reflection of the fact that we did not take stronger actions earlier."

However, as the desire to reopen the economy grows, Dr. Davis shared her thoughts on what the new normal should look like.

"Wearing masks and paying attention to things we didn't normally pay attention to has to be the new norm," she says.

Dr. Davis reiterated proper hand-washing and the importance of businesses like malls and restaurants limiting their regular capacity. She also highlighted other challenges that need to be addressed, especially in terms of schools reopening.

"Because children in schools are always packed pretty close together. Would we have different things where instead of having one session, we'd have two sessions? And schools would start earlier and go longer because children would only sit in every other desk?"

Dr. Davis is an American epidemiologist advising governments and policymakers. And has worked with the World Health Organization, United Nations and the International Monetary Fund.

She also founded non-profit Environmental Health Trust in 2007 in Teton County, Wyoming.