Experts Predict Where COVID-19 Pandemic Is Likely To Hit Hardest Next

The latest figures from Johns Hopkins University indicate 1.2 million Americans have been diagnosed with the novel coronavirus COVID-19.

More than 30% of the people diagnosed so far live in the New York City metropolitan area, which includes parts of New Jersey and Connecticut.

However, health experts say rural areas are next in the line of fire.

According to UPI, they're concerned about the southeastern United States -- Georgia and Tennessee, in particular.

Death rates are likely to be high due to lack of access to hospitals, combined with the relaxation of lockdown requirements.

Also, these regions have a high rate of poverty and chronic conditions such as obesity and diabetes among the residents.

Some of the states where we're seeing dramatic increase in rural cases are the same places we're seeing loosening social distancing restrictions.

Dr. Carrie Henning-Smith University of Minnesota School of Public Health