The University of Washington’s Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation is now projecting that in the United States, more than 309,000 people may die of COVID-19 by December 1, 2020.

The Trump Administration has referred to the IHME predictions as helping influence its policies in responding to COVID-19.

Currently close to 177,000 people in this country have died from the virus, in less than 7 months of tracking the coronavirus pandemic.

IHME says if  more people in the country wear masks, the death toll may only go up to 240,000 by December 1, but if mandates ease or people just refuse to wear masks…the death toll could be around 400,000.   Right now, around 53% of people say they  wear masks most of the time.  University of Washington researchers say if 77% wore masks that would help lower the spread, although the target is more than 90% mask wearing.