What was the number of COVID-19 deaths in the US as of October 16, 2020?

The number of COVID-19 deaths in the US as of October 16, 2020, was reported as 218,097. This figure is important as it reflects the severe impact of the pandemic during that period, highlighting the urgency of public health measures and medical responses to control the virus's spread. This statistic is part of the broader context of the pandemic’s progression, as the death toll rose significantly throughout 2020 due to multiple factors, including surges in cases and overwhelmed healthcare systems. Understanding these numbers helps in grasping the seriousness of the pandemic and the importance of data in informing policy and public health decisions.