Experts reveal, using their new model, that a projected number of 70,000 lives can be saved in the United States by December 1 if people will regularly use facemasks. 

Facemasks
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The United States remains to have the highest number of COVID-19 infections around the globe. The Johns Hopkins Coronavirus Resource Center has recorded nearly 5 million infections and a death toll of over 160,000. 

However, experts revealed that the number of COVID-19 deaths could reach 300,000 by December 1 if people do not use and wear facemasks, especially if they are exposed to public places. Today, these are only a few measures that can help stop the spread of the virus. 

Moreover, experts also revealed that around 30,000 lives could be saved if Americans will wear facemasks. The projected number is based on the new model that experts used. Along with the mandatory wearing of facemasks is the strict compliance of COVID-19 health and safety guidelines set by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Dr. William Schaffner of Vanderbilt University told CNN News that 70,000 people could be saved if people wear facemasks every day and every time they leave their homes. At the same time, the projected 300,000 deaths saddened him as well. 

He said, "This virus Is not just going to disappear or vanish. The virus is with us, and we're going to have to combat it, and the simple thing that we can all do is wear a mask. Please, everyone, wear your mask every day."

Dr. Sanjay Gupta, CNN Chief medical correspondent, said on Friday said that the number of lives that could be saved by wearing facemasks could even be higher. Dr. Gupta also added that facemasks could cut the virus transmission by more than 40 percent.  

Health experts reported that during the early days of the virus outbreak, older adults were more at risk of getting infected with the virus. However, new data shows from the World Health Organization that infected teens and young adults have increased.

The World Health Organization said that the increase of COVID-19 cases is linked to broader testing, higher detection of milder cases, and shifting demographics of hot spots. However, the international health agency warned that the increase is also because of easing the strict measures in June. 

Recently, a 7-year-old boy died due to COVID-19 in Georgia. The African-American boy is the youngest victim of the virus in the state, according to the data obtained from the state health department. Additionally, the boy has no underlying condition. 

Meanwhile, New Mexico Human Services Secretary Dr. David Scrase urged people not to plan big gatherings for the upcoming Labor Day. He said on Thursday to celebrate the Labor Day within the family and told them that there would be more time to do it. 

Dr. Christopher Murray, University of Washington's Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation director, also said the importance of wearing a facemask. He also supported that it can potentially save over 70,000 lives, as mentioned by other experts. 

Murray said, "It's rare that you see something so simple, so inexpensive, so easy for everybody to participate in can have such an extraordinary impact in the US and also all over the world." As of today, wearing facemask is only one of the ways to stop virus transmission in the absence of the COVID-19 vaccine. 

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