Three things for April 1
1. White House predicts over 100,000 US COVID-19 deaths
On Tuesday, President Trump warned Americans that even if social distancing guidelines continue, the U.S. could still experience 100,000 to 240,000 deaths from the COVID-19 pandemic. He stressed the significance of each citizen taking their role in social distancing seriously.
“This is going to be one of the roughest two or three weeks we’ve ever had in our country,” said Trump. “We’re going to lose thousands of people.”
Doctors at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) shared they are hoping for the U.S. to do much better than the forecasted numbers.
Recently, the U.S. has surpassed China in virus-related deaths. As of yesterday, total U.S. deaths are up to 3,810.
In light of the recent spread of the virus, Trump replaced his hopes of opening the U.S. by Easter with continued social distancing until April 30.
2. Elton John raises $8 million during iHeartRadio ‘Living Room Concert’
Beginning on Saturday, iHeartRadio’s YouTube livestream has been filled with singers playing from their living rooms to help raise money for those impacted by COVID-19. So far, the livestream has collected $8 million has with over 8.7 million viewers.
This livestream has hosted artists such as Alicia Keys, Backstreet Boys, Dave Grohl, Billie Eilish, Sam Smith, Camilla Cabello, Shawn Mendes, H.E.R., Billie Joe Armstong, Demi Lovato, Tim McGraw and Mariah Carey. Each artist joined via their iPhone and whatever sound equipment they had on hand.
Between performances, Elton John reminded viewers of the importance of donating to Feeding America and Children of First Responders Organization and included updates from both donation centers.
Many of the artists have offered encouragement and precautions to stay inside to remain healthy, as well as providing financial support for these two organizations.
3. Dolly Parton to read bedtime stories, providing reassurance to families
Starting at 7 p.m. EST on Thursday, country music star Dolly Parton will read bedtime stories to children through livestreams on her Facebook page “Goodnight with Dolly.”
Each book is selected from her program, the Imagination Library, which gives free books to children in need. Each reading will be applicable to the current world the children are living in.
Her website states, “Dolly hopes this series of stories will provide comfort and reassurance to coping kids and families during the shelter-in-place mandates.”
Parton said she looks forward to continuing story time every Thursday for the next 10 weeks.
