COVID-19: Latest situation in the U.S. 

The death toll of the coronavirus in the United States has surpassed 79,000, with nearly1.33 million cases confirmed, according to Johns Hopkins University's tally.

Model projects more deaths by August

One of the leading models made by the University of Washington for measuring the impact of the coronavirus is now projecting a total of 137,184 cumulative COVID-19 deaths in the U.S. by August, an increase of roughly 2,700 from its previous forecast on May 4.

Christopher Murray, the director of the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation at the University of Washington, predicted the number of cases to increase particularly in areas where people become more mobile.

More officials to be in self-quarantine

Michael Gilday, the chief of naval operations will self-quarantine after he came in contact with a family member who has tested positive for the coronavirus, according to a U.S. official.

He was tested for the virus on Friday and although he is negative at this time he will quarantine for several days, the official said.

Sen. Lamar Alexander, a Republican from Tennessee, will also be in self-quarantine after a staff member in his office tested positive for the coronavirus, according to a statement.

The senator will be working remotely and will chair the Senate Health Committee hearing on Tuesday morning by video conference. 

Top U.S. infectious disease expert Anthony Fauci who is in self-quarantine will also attend the hearing, set to be held remotely. 

Expert refutes Trump's coronavirus optimism

"No, this virus isn't going to go away," Tom Inglesby, director of the Johns Hopkins Center for Disease Security, said in disputing President Donald Trump's recent claim that the pandemic will be resolved without a vaccine.

With more and more states taking steps to reopen their economy, the expert warned that the country is "still in the early stages of the pandemic." 

In a Fox interview, he said the numbers of cases have reached "a national plateau," and while hard-hit areas like New York City are now seeing declines, other parts of the country are now getting worse.