Today the number of people in the United States who have died from COVID-19 surpassed 100,000. Families, friends, coworkers, loved ones and community members are grieving for each person who has been lost to this disease. Reaching the milestone of 100, 000 persons lost in such a short timeframe is a sobering development and a heart-breaking reminder of the horrible toll of this unprecedented pandemic. COVID-19 has touched families in every part of America – with communities across the country experiencing the pandemic in different ways. As many communities are strategically reopening, it is important for everyone to work together to continue efforts to prevent community spread of COVID-19. We ask that all Americans continue to follow the guidance of their state and local health authorities and to do their part to embrace prevention strategies, including social distancing, practicing good hand hygiene on a regular basis, improved sanitation, and wearing a cloth face covering in public where the situation suggests, so as to reduce the risk of transmission of COVID-19 and protect  the most vulnerable such as the frail and elderly with co-morbid health conditions and those with compromised immune systems.

The entire U.S. government is focused on this pandemic and remains committed to a healthy and resilient America, and we will continue to work with state and local leaders to confront this public health crisis and keep our communities as safe as possible.

For more information about COVID-19, please visit CDC’s Coronavirus website.