CDC warned Americans that a deadlier second wave of the coronavirus pandemic might hit the country, which might even coincide with the flu season.

On Tuesday, Director Robert Redfield from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warned Americans that, “There’s a possibility that the assault of the virus on our nation next winter will actually be even more difficult than the one we just went through.” Redfield added that “when I’ve said this to others, they kind of put their head back, they don’t understand what I mean.”

The CDC official also warned about the increasing pressure on the nation’s healthcare system. Redfield believed that two simultaneous respiratory outbreaks could cause massive strain the US healthcare, and their capacity to accommodate patients.

As President Donald Trump, and the rest of the state governors, laid out the plan to gradually reopen the country’s economy, Redfield advised people to continually observe social distancing, as well as frequent hand washing. Moreover, to prepare for the possibility of the second wave of coronavirus, the CDC official advised Americans to follow health and safety guidelines in order to mitigate and stop the spread of the deadly virus. Redfield also urged the public to get a flu shot in the summer months, so that by the time the flu season arrives, hospitals and other health facilities would not be overwhelmed by the sudden influx of respiratory-related patients. Moreover, Redfield reminded Americans that such decisions might be a matter of life and death, especially for those in vulnerable sectors. It “may allow there to be a hospital bed available for your mother or grandmother that may get coronavirus,” Redfield said.

In their end, Redfield boasted that the CDC had learned enough in terms of preparedness during the first coronavirus pandemic. In order to avoid the crowded hospitals and shortage of ventilators, the CDC had been working on beefing up the workforce to ensure that everyone can be accommodated when the second wave finally hits. He also assured that the CDC had laid out a detailed plan in case the country hits the worst-case scenario.

Currently, the federal agency is manned by 500 regular staff. However, the CDC plans to double its workforce and add an additional 650 personnel to prepare states and public health responses when the country finally reopens. To combat the shortage of medical personnel, Redfield also eyed utilizing field workers for the Census Bureau. While the Bureau might have suspended their operations until the country finally reopens, the health director claimed that he might seek the help of the Peace Corps and AmeriCorps as an “alternative workforce.”

As the ongoing battle against the “Chinese virus” continues, the country saw 40,000 deaths, with more than 1,500 Americans dying within a matter of 24 hours. Worldwide, nearly 2.5 million people have been infected and a recorded 163, 957 death toll.

What is even more alarming was that on Tuesday, California medical officials believed that the first coronavirus death happened earlier than what had been originally reported. Health officials cite that the dates go back in between February 6 to 7, rather than at the end of February. Initially, they did not think that the death might be related to COVID-19; however, the patient’s tests show otherwise.