150M Americans could contract coronavirus

The new coronavirus could infect between 70 million and 150 million people in the U.S., according to the attending physician of Congress and the Supreme Court, Brian Monahan. The estimate came the same week as the World Health Organization declared the virus a pandemic.

The figures were reported by NBC News after Monahan briefed the Senate in a closed-door meeting for personnel and administrative staff from both parties. Monahan also advised staffers how to prevent further spread of the virus, including avoiding shaking hands, according to NBC. Staffers are also advised to avoid international treasure if possible.

However, staffers experiencing symptoms of coronavirus, which include fever, cough and shortness of breath, should see their healthcare professionals, as only members of Congress would be tested for COVID-19.

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Amy Baxter

Amy joined TriMed Media as a Senior Writer for HealthExec after covering home care for three years. When not writing about all things healthcare, she fulfills her lifelong dream of becoming a pirate by sailing in regattas and enjoying rum. Fun fact: she sailed 333 miles across Lake Michigan in the Chicago Yacht Club "Race to Mackinac."

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