(CNN) A well-known coronavirus model previously cited by the White House forecasts more than 317,000 US deaths from Covid-19 by December. The projections published Thursday forecast 200,292 deaths by September 19, with a possible range of 195,824 to 207,269 deaths. "State- and territory-level ensemble forecasts predict that the number of reported new deaths per week may decrease in 18 jurisdictions. "Rather than empowering public health professionals and moving our nation forward in a cohesive way to address the pandemic, this abrupt change has caused confusion, consternation and undermined the credibility of the agency with public health professionals and the public alike," the letter says. "This revision and its resulting impact is adding yet another obstacle for public health practitioners to effectively address the pandemic."

Source: CNN August 28, 2020 14:15 UTC