It appears the United States is making progress in slowing the spread of the coronavirus, but the CDC is warning the country needs to be prepared in 2021.

A top U.S. model shows fewer overall deaths by August than previously projected.

President Donald Trump's aides now hope to reopen the country by next month, but some officials have lingering concerns.

Dr. Anthony Fauci, the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, says summer vacations are a possibility.

However, the head of the CDC says even once the current pandemic eases, the United States can't be caught flat footed in 2021.

"Get prepared for next year, which will be another challenging time," says CDC Director Dr. Robert Redfield.

Dr. Redfield says he wants to improve early cases identification, isolation of the sick and contact tracing.

"I think we have to be direct and honest about it. Over the last 10, 20, 30 years, we've under invested in public health in this nation. We're in the position now of preparing a significant expansion," says Dr. Redfield.

New York has suffered the most cases in the U.S., but on Thursday, the lowest increase of state hospitalizations was reported since the crisis began.

However, Philadelphia and Washington, D.C. are expected to become the new hotspots for the deadly virus.

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