Trump Warns Coronavirus Pandemic Could Last Until August in U.S.

Donald Trump warned that the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic might not be under control until July or August.

Donald Trump
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Image via Getty/Win McNamee

Donald Trump

President Donald Trump has warned that the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic might not be under control until July or August.

On Monday, Trump said the administration is looking into the possibility of lockdowns for "certain areas" or "hot spots" across the country. When asked about the possibility of a national lockdown, he said it was not being considered currently.

"If we do a really good job, we'll not only hold the death down to a level that is much lower than the other way, had we not done a good job, but people are talking about July, August, something like that," he said. It was later clarified by Dr. Anthony Fauci that the guidelines that are currently in place for the next 15 days will not last to July or August, but that timeframe Trump gave is in reference to "the trajectory of the outbreak" in general.

"It's important for the young and healthy people to understand that while they may experience mild symptoms, they can easily spread this virus and they will spread it indeed, putting countless others in harm's way," he continued. Trump went on to say the eldery should stay home at the moment, and also recommended that U.S. residents in general should avoid gatherings of 10 or more individuals for the forseeable future. 

When asked how he would rate his response to the outbreak on a scale out of 10, Trump confidently said he'd give himself full marks.

Trump also took a moment to answer a question about his COVID-19 test, which reportedly came back positive. "Not, not... Uh, something I want to do everyday," he told reporters. "Good doctors in the White House, but it's a test. It's a test. It's a medical test. Nothing pleasant about it."

On Monday, Trump also spoke with various state governors concerned about the spread of COVID-19, offering little in the way of support. "Respirators, ventilators, all of the equipment—try getting it yourselves," he said during the meeting, according to The New York Times. "We will be backing you, but try getting it yourselves. Point of sales, much better, much more direct if you can get it yourself." Shortly after the meeting, Trump tweeted, "Just had a very good tele-conference with Nation's Governors. Went very well." He finished with the characteristically vague and petty remark, "Cuomo of New York has to 'do more.'"

As the nation struggles to keep up, the Dow Jones Industrial Average took a major hit once again. U.S. stocks dropped 12 percent on Monday, which is almost 3,000 points, as the Wall Street Journal reports. This is the second worst day for the DOW since 1929.

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