100,000 Americans could be infected everyday if Nation doesn't make urgent behavioral changes, diseases expert Dr Fauci warns

Infectious disease expert Dr. Anthony Fauci has warned Americans to stop going to bars 'right now' to stem the rapid spread of Covid-19 across the country.

He issued a dire prediction about U.S. coronavirus infection rates last week – saying as many as 100,000 Americans could become infected each day if the nation doesn't make urgent behavioral changes.

'Congregation at a bar, inside, is bad news,' Fauci said. 'We really got to stop that right now. I think we need to emphasize the responsibility that we have both as individuals and as part of a societal effort to end the epidemic that we all have to play a part in that.'

Fauci made the bleak prediction as new coronavirus cases surged 46 per cent amid new outbreaks in the south and west.


Diagnoses almost doubled last week with 31 states reporting an uptick in cases - as Arizona became the latest hot spot to reverse its reopening by closing bars and gyms.

COVID-19 cases across the US increased by 46 percent in the week ending June 28, compared to the previous seven days, with the majority of rises in the West and South of the country.

Infections across the US have now surpassed 2.6 million and more than 127,000 Americans have died since the virus took hold in March.

'We are now having 40-plus thousand new cases a day,' Fauci told a Senate Committee during testimony. 'I would not be surprised if we go up to 100,000 a day if this does not turn around, so I am very concerned,' he said.

'We can't just focus on those areas that are having the surge. It puts the entire country at risk,' he said under questioning from Sen. Elizabeth Warren, a Massachusetts Democrat.

The vice presidential contender asked Fauci if he would provide an estimate of U.S. deaths, which he declined to do.

'I think it's important to tell you and the American public that I'm very concerned because it could get very bad,' he told her.

Fauci repeatedly pointed to a lack of sufficient social distancing in the country, urging people to avoid groups and wear masks when in a position where they might be exposed to others.

'We're going to continue to be in a lot of trouble and there's going to be a lot of hurt if that does not stop,' he said.

'It is going to be very disturbing, I can guarantee you that,' he said.