WASHINGTON (Diya TV) – A new study conducted by Bay Area researchers, concludes COVID-19 is much more widespread than previously thought. In the sample group, people were given lateral flow immunoassay tests to detect the presence of antibodies to COVID-19 in their system. 3,300 people were found to have antibodies. When run through calculations, the study approximated that 48,000 to 81,000 people in the region had or currently have COVID-19.

The findings implied that the prevalence of COVID-19 in the population could be much more widespread than confirmed cases currently indicate. However, COVID-19 may also be less fatal than currently believed, as current death rate estimates do not match well with the numbers found.

The emergence of COVID-19 has affected the physical and mental health outlook of many. The long incubation period and high likelihood of being asymptomatic (presenting no symptoms) have made it difficult for many to tell if they are infected or not. Panic buying of health supplements, medical supplies, has been prevalent in many countries. Uptake of Final Expense Direct funeral insurance is said to have increased as many feel they have to prepare for the worst.

The findings of this study may come as a relief to some, but critics say the study’s conclusion is too sweeping, not peer-reviewed and comes from a self-selecting sample population. Further studies or a thorough peer review of the current study may give further insight into this hypothesis.

U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo says the U.S. and India are working on COVID-19 strategies together to ensure both countries have enough protective gear and drugs like hydroxychloroquine. Pompeo added that the two nations continue to talk about other issues like trade and reducing dependence on China.

In India, the total shutdown of the nation appears to be stopping the spread of the virus, as COVID-19 cases are now doubling every 6 days now, as opposed to every 3 days pre-lockdown. More than 13,000 Indians are battling COVID-19. 452 patients have died.

Aarogya Setu (a-ro-gya say-thu), India’s app to fight COVID-19 reached 50 million users in just 13 days, a global record for app downloads, according to NITI Aayog’s CEO Amitabh Kant.

Ravi Kapur contributed to this report.