Trump predicts 100,000 US deaths
WASHINGTON 4 May (ANA) - US President Donald Trump has warned that as many as 100,000 people could die of coronavirus in the US.
Speaking at a two-hour virtual "town hall", Mr Trump also denied that his administration had acted too slowly.
More than 67,000 people have already died with Covid-19 in the US.
But Mr Trump expressed optimism about the development of a vaccine, suggesting one could be ready by the end of this year - although experts believe it will take 12 to 18 months.
"I think we're going to have a vaccine by the end of the year," he told Fox News. "The doctors would say, well you shouldn't say that. I'll say what I think... I think we'll a vaccine sooner rather than later."
Among the experts to disagree with this optimistic estimate are Dr Anthony Fauci, America's top infectious disease expert, and England's Chief Medical Officer, Chris Whitty.
Dr Fauci has previously said a vaccine will take up to 18 months to develop, while Professor Whitty said last month the chances of having an effective vaccine or other treatment within the next year were "incredibly small".
The town hall - or community meeting featuring viewers' questions - was intended to relaunch Mr Trump's presidential campaign in lieu of rallies.
President Trump also rejected claims that his administration had failed to act quickly enough at the start of the outbreak, saying: "We did the right thing."(ANA)
FA/ANA/4 May 2020------