Every state is handling the COVID-19 pandemic differently, so it is no surprise that each of the 50 states is expected to see peak Coronavirus deaths on different days throughout April.

There is no nationwide federal order to shelter in place, which means every state in the union is handling the novel coronavirus pandemic differently. From the timing and length of stay at home orders, suggestions to wear masks and/or gloves, and closings of public beaches and parks (or not), it is also no surprise that states are expecting to hit a different peak COVID-19 death date. Here is the forecast, as of April 8, for when each state will see the most fatalities from coronavirus and when each state’s hospital resources will be most stressed, as per data collected by the Institute of Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME). For the United States as a whole, the peak resource day is expected on April 11. (Note: These dates were reported on April 8 and are subject to change.) Wherever you live, you can help prevent coronavirus and these 14 other diseases by washing your hands frequently.

Alabama

Projected peak resource use: April 20

The projected peak in daily deaths: April 22

Governor Kay Ivey issued a stay at home order on April 3 to remain in place through the month of April. This order came later than most states, largely because Alabama is not seeing the volume of COVID-19 cases like other states. The expected peak for coronavirus-related deaths in Alabama is April 22, with medical resources in the state being stretched thinnest two days prior.



Alaska

Projected peak resource use: April 17

The projected peak in daily deaths: April 21

With the lowest population density of any state in the union, it is unsurprising to learn that Alaska is not predicted to see a large number of COVID-19 deaths. A total of 131 are projected by August 4, with a peak coronavirus day coming on April 21.

Arizona

Projected peak resource use: April 22

The projected peak in daily deaths: April 23

With some exceptions, like grocery shopping, working in essential businesses, exercising, and caring for family members, Arizona residents have been ordered by Governor Doug Ducey to stay at home for the entire month of April during the COVID-19 crisis. Thankfully, hospital resources are not expected to be maxed out, not even when coronavirus is expected to peak in Arizona on April 22. Find out how to stock up wisely, emergency or not.

Arkansas

Projected peak resource use: April 25

The projected peak in daily deaths: April 27

Even though Arkansas is one of only eight states without a statewide mandate to shelter in place, as of now, it is projected that Arkansas will not be hard hit by the coronavirus, with less than 10 percent of the state’s hospital beds being needed during the crisis, including on the peak resource usage day coming on April 25. Arkansas’ fatalities are projected to peak on April 27 and reach a total of 230 by August 4.

California

Projected peak resource use: April 13

The projected peak in daily deaths: April 15

In an effort to flatten the curve of the COVID-19 pandemic, Governor Gavin Newsom’s stay at home order went into effect on March 19 and will remain in place until further notice. The Golden State is expected to see coronavirus peak on April 15 with 67 deaths. “As of April 6, 2020, there are a total of 15,865 positive cases and 374 deaths in California,” per the state’s Department of Health. You can’t take that trip to SoCal but you can virtually travel to San Diego during the coronavirus pandemic.

Colorado

Projected peak resource use: April 8

The projected peak in daily deaths: April 7

Colorado has already come through the worst of the pandemic in the state, according to official COVID-19 peak projections. There are still currently over 5,600 cases, as of April 8, but the peak day for hospital resources and deaths from the coronavirus has likely passed.

Connecticut

Projected peak resource use: April 21

The projected peak in daily deaths: April 22

The Nutmeg state borders New York and many residents work in New York City, which has put its death rate higher than other small states, despite the closure of all non-essential businesses on March 23. Connecticut’s peak in daily death is projected for April 22, with hospital resources being grossly overstretched the day prior. A total hospital bed shortage of nearly 5,000 and intensive care unit bed shortage of 1,258 is projected on April 21, along with only 1,400 ventilators on hand, according to the Hartford Courant. It will not help to lower the 4,003 projected total COVID-19 deaths in the state.

Delaware

Projected peak resource use: April 9

The projected peak in daily deaths: March 31

With the tenth modification to his original State of Emergency declaration, Governor John Carney stated on April 7, “All of Delaware’s restrictions are intended to prevent a surge in cases, preserve our hospital capacity, and save lives.” Despite some non-essential businesses like pawn shops, video game stores, and other electronics retailers remaining open until this modification, and short time vacation rentals still being offered in the small state, Delaware’s coronavirus peak came and went on March 31.

Florida

Projected peak resource use: April 21

The projected peak in daily deaths: April 23

Governor Ron DeSantis kept beaches and businesses open while other states with far fewer reported COVID-19 cases were already issuing stay at home orders, reports USA Today. As a result, “the people in Florida who are known to be infected with the new coronavirus visited at least 46 states and traveled to every continent except Antarctica in the weeks before they tested positive for COVID-19,” a USA TODAY Network-Florida analysis of state infection data found. Close to 4,360 coronavirus deaths are expected in Florida with a peak coronavirus death day coming on April 23.

Georgia

Projected peak resource use: April 20

The projected peak in daily deaths: April 21

The Peach State is staring at an ICU bed shortage on April 20, the projected coronavirus peak hospital resource day. In spite of this, on April 7, Governor Brian Kemp, who admitted not fully understanding how the virus can be spread, has reversed his beach closure order. Unfortunately, this means state police have been needed to enforce sandy-footed social distancing guidelines. Here are coronavirus conspiracy theories you should not believe.

Hawaii

Projected peak resource use: April 12

The projected peak in daily deaths: April 12

America’s most exotic state is expected to see its coronavirus peak on April 12, with an ICU bed shortage and ten total deaths expected. This data comes in the face of Hawaii’s lowest confirmed COVID-19 cases this month being reported on April 7.

Idaho

Projected peak resource use: April 14

The projected peak in daily deaths: April 16

One of the least populated states is not expected to see many deaths from coronavirus (57 through August 4) and it should not suffer any hospital bed or ICU resource shortages. Still, the peak COVID-19 day in Idaho is projected to arrive on April 16. Here’s what you need to know about coronavirus from a survivor.

Illinois

Projected peak resource use: April 11

The projected peak in daily deaths: April 12

On April 7, “Illinois state officials announced 73 more COVID-19 deaths—the state’s largest number in a single day—and 1,287 new known cases,” according to the Chicago Tribune. Sadly, that is not the expected peak day for fatalities in the state. The data points to April 12, with 91 projected deaths, as the coronavirus peaks in Illinois, and over 1,500 total deaths through August 4.

Indiana

Projected peak resource use: April 14

The projected peak in daily deaths: April 16

There are no expectations of medical resource shortages in the state of Indiana, not even on the peak hospitalization day of April 14. While that’s good news, 45 COVID-19 related deaths are projected on April 16, the peak death day in the state.

Iowa

Projected peak resource use: April 27

The projected peak in daily deaths: April 26

The Hawkeye state is not expected to see its coronavirus peak until the end of the month, much later than its neighbors, with 19 COVID-19 deaths in Iowa projected on April 26. “A team of doctors and researchers at [the] University of Iowa Health Care are organizing an animal test for a COVID-19 vaccine,” KWWL, the NBC affiliate TV station in the state, reports. “The study started months ago, unrelated to the COVID-19 outbreak, but they’re now looking at recreating the study specifically for COVID-19.”

Kansas

Projected peak resource use: April 20

The projected peak in daily deaths: April 23

Through April 6, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment is reporting 900 cases of coronavirus and 27 deaths, according to WIBW. The data forecasts a total of 299 COVID-19 fatalities with a coronavirus peak expected in Kansas coming on April 23. The COVID-19 outbreak is on everyone’s minds, but should you also be worried about coronavirus in cats?

Kentucky

Projected peak resource use: April 21

The projected peak in daily deaths: April 24

“Compared to most of its neighboring states, the coronavirus has been a far deadlier threat in Kentucky,” CBS affiliate WKYT reports. The projected COVID-19 data also reflects this, with over 1,000 deaths expected through August 4. The peak coronavirus death day in Kentucky is expected to arrive on April 24.

Louisiana

Projected peak resource use: April 4

The projected peak in daily deaths: April 7

The Bayou State is one of those being hit the hardest by the coronavirus. “In Louisiana, 63 of 64 parishes have reported cases and there have been more than 580 deaths…and more than 16,200 patients,” The Daily Advertiser reports. Official projections show that the worst may be behind Louisiana, with the peak day (April 7) of COVID-19 deaths in the rearview mirror (hopefully). “The fact that we are starting to see a positive result should encourage you to stay at home even more. Now is not the time to become lax and ease up,” Governor John Bel Edwards wrote on Twitter.

Maine

Projected peak resource use: April 17

The projected peak in daily deaths: April 19

Maine is not expected to be hard hit by the coronavirus (100 total deaths by August 4, with a coronavirus peak on April 19). Regardless, the state is not taking the pandemic lightly. The Maine Department of Education is recommending that remote learning to be used to finish the school year to help flatten the curve, says NBC News Center Maine. These ten etiquette rules can officially be ignored during the coronavirus crisis.

Maryland

Projected peak resource use: April 17

The projected peak in daily deaths: April 17

On April 17, coronavirus is anticipated to peak in Maryland hospitals, with demand for ICU beds doubling the state’s capacity a severe and dangerous shortage. As a result, the peak death day in Maryland is also April 17, with 60 fatalities anticipated. Overall, nearly 1,100 residents are projected to lose their life as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Massachusetts

Projected peak resource use: April 20

The projected peak in daily deaths: April 18

The New England state has only 277 ICU beds available. However, coronavirus at its projected peak will drain hospital resources and force a need for nearly 1,900 beds in ICUs across Massachusetts. Of the 5,625 COVID-19 deaths expected in the state through August 4, about 213 have been anticipated on April 18, the peak day for fatalities in Massachusetts. There is a glimmer of early hope coming from the state, reports the Boston Globe. “Three Massachusetts hospitals have received approval to launch the first U.S. clinical trial of a Japanese flu drug that could be used to treat COVID-19,” the Boston Globe adds.

Michigan

Projected peak resource use: April 7

The projected peak in daily deaths: April 9

Detroit is one of the epicenters of COVID-19, yet as a state, Michigan’s expected peak for coronavirus deaths (April 9) and strain on hospital resources (April 7) is behind it. In an update from Click On Detroit published on April 7, the Michigan coronavirus (COVID-19) case total has risen to 18,970, with a death toll standing at 845.” The site goes on to add that, “Officials are deploying new tools in an attempt to slow that spread, including riders on Department of Transportation buses receiving surgical masks starting on Wednesday the 8th of April.”

Minnesota

Projected peak resource use: April 23

The projected peak in daily deaths: April 26

April 26 is when coronavirus deaths are expected to peak in Minnesota, with 16 fatalities projected that day. The original stay at home order is set to expire on Friday, April 10, the Star Tribune reports. “Gov. Tim Walz will announce a new ‘Minnesota way’ of responding to the COVID-19 pandemic—a strategy that keeps what worked during the current two-week, stay-at-home order, but puts the state on track to remove some of the restrictions that contributed to job loss and economic pain,” the Star Tribune notes.

Mississippi

Projected peak resource use: April 16

The projected peak in daily deaths: April 19

Mississippi quickly rose up to the 12th most coronavirus cases per capita. “Governor Tate Reeves, a first-term Republican and Donald Trump acolyte, who said that he was taking a ‘wait and see’ approach to the unfolding crisis, while rejecting calls to shut down the state’s beaches, to run off spring breakers,” the New Yorker reports. The magazine goes on to note that, “[n]o state in America is more vulnerable to the pandemic than Mississippi.” Many of the state’s residents are riddled with health issues. “More than 14 percent of adults have diabetes,” according to the New Yorker. “The state tallies more deaths from asthma and cardiovascular disease than any other. And it’s second only to West Virginia in adult obesity. Mississippi’s refusal to accept billions of dollars in expanded Medicaid funding under the Affordable Care Act has only exacerbated the health crisis.” In more troubling news, 72 percent of people who have died of COVID-19 were African American, reports the Clarion-Ledger. The coronavirus is expected to peak in Mississippi on April 19.



Missouri

Projected peak resource use: April 21

The projected peak in daily deaths: April 22

Through April 7, the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services reported that “58 deaths have been attributed to COVID-19 in the state and there are now more than 3,327 confirmed cases.” April 22, is the day expected for the peak number of deaths related to coronavirus in Missouri, with nearly 550 total fatalities by August 4. Should you be disinfecting your mail during the COVID-19 pandemic?

Montana

Projected peak resource use: April 20

The projected peak in daily deaths: April 21

A sparse and already socially distant population in Montana should help it avoid massive casualties as a result of COVID-19. On April 8, the first reports of positive tests on Native American reservations were a cause of concern. The Billings Gazette notes that Montant’s Fort Peck tribes have reported two COVID-19 cases. The peak for coronavirus deaths in Montana is expected to arrive on April 21.

Nebraska

Projected peak resource use: April 26

The projected peak in daily deaths: April 25

Governor Pete Ricketts said that state officials are projecting the peak of the virus will be in at the end of April, according to NBC 4 KTIV. On April 3, statewide measures were implemented to close schools, shut down the dining rooms of bars and restaurants, and limited gatherings to no more than ten people.

Nevada

Projected peak resource use: April 17

The projected peak in daily deaths: April 19

As of Wednesday morning, April 8, Nevada Health Response was reporting 2,318 positive COVID-19 cases and 71 deaths as a result of the pandemic, according to Fox 5 KVVU TV. With a peak coronavirus day still ten days away (April 19), the state could see a curve that is not flat enough even with a stay at home order having been put in place on April 1 and in effect throughout the entire month.

New Hampshire

Projected peak resource use: April 16

The projected peak in daily deaths: April 16

Thanks in part to a sparse population, an early school closure (March 16) and stay at home order (March 27), New Hampshire is projected to see 66 COVID-19 related deaths. The peak of coronavirus will land on April 16, according to official data. That said, reports of ten coronavirus fatalities at a long-term care facility is worrying for a state that already seemed to have a flat curve for the outbreak. Here are four household products that kill coronavirus, according to Consumer Reports.

New Jersey

Projected peak resource use: April 11

The projected peak in daily deaths: April 12

New Jersey is one of the states that could see the highest number of COVID-19 related deaths (5,277 by August 4). The peak day for deaths due to coronavirus in the state is expected to be April 12 but one day earlier, hospitals will be short some 7,600 beds to treat suffering patients. Taking social distancing further in an effort to flatten the curve of the coronavirus outbreak, Governor Phil Murphy announced on Twitter on April 7, that he signed, “an Executive Order closing ALL State parks and forests, and County parks.”

New Mexico

Projected peak resource use: April 21

The projected peak in daily deaths: April 22

“The federal government’s slowness to expand [COVID-19] testing was a crucial stumbling block in the U.S.’s failure to contain the coronavirus,” according to Talking Points Memo. New Mexico has taken an aggressive approach and it’s paying off. The state expanded testing eligibility to include those without symptoms, who may have been exposed to COVID-19, and residents of assisted and group living facilities. “The state had only 100 cases at the time and hadn’t even reported a death,” the Santa Fe New Mexican reports. Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham, who previously served as New Mexico’s Health Department secretary, closed all nonessential businesses and ordered people to stay home. The state has one of the lowest rates of hospital beds per capita in the United States. The peak for coronavirus-related deaths in New Mexico is expected on April 22.

New York

Projected peak resource use: April 8

The projected peak in daily deaths: April 9

COVID-19 has brought the Big Apple to its knees. There are not enough hospital beds, beds in intensive care units, or ventilators for the first responders and healthcare professionals who risk their own lives both in New York City and around the state. As of April 8, the peak coronavirus day was expected on April 9 but with a city and state still unable to flatten the curve, it is possible the worst is still to come. New York will likely have the highest tally of coronavirus-related expected deaths at over 13,300 by August 4.

North Carolina

Projected peak resource use: April 15

The projected peak in daily deaths: April 15

As of data collected through April 8, the expected coronavirus peak in North Carolina is April 15. However, the troubling report of COVID-19 outbreaks at 18 long-term care facilities could revise this projection as more fatalities among the older population of the state may pile up in the coming weeks.

North Dakota

Projected peak resource use: April 21

The projected peak in daily deaths: April 20

With only four COVID-19 deaths reported through April 7 and 99 percent of the hospital capacity still available to treat patients, North Dakota looks to be in good shape to handle its peak coronavirus day on April 20. Additionally, North Dakota has ramped up testing with a pilot project in the rural southwestern towns of Amidon and Gladstone. The state has, “[s]et up drive-thru surveillance testing for people who weren’t showing any signs of COVID-19,” according to the Bismark Tribune. Governor Doug Burgum understands that the virus can easily and quickly spread from asymptomatic people.

Ohio

Projected peak resource use: April 8

The projected peak in daily deaths: April 12

“In the midst of the novel coronavirus pandemic, some good news emerged: Ohio is flattening the curve,” reported the Cincinnati Enquirer. “New projections from Ohio State University’s Infectious Disease Institute released on Wednesday, April 8, 2020, showed the peak of new COVID-19 cases might be closer to 1,600 new patients per day—significantly lower than the nearly 10,000 new cases a day initially projected,” Cincinnati Enquirer reports. The state anticipates the largest number of coronavirus-related deaths on April 12.

Oklahoma

Projected peak resource use: April 23

The projected peak in daily deaths: April 24

It is expected that the coronavirus will peak in Oklahoma on April 23. This is the day the most deaths are expected and the hospital resources will be stressed the most. There are 2,000 ventilators in the state and smart contingency plans are in place to lessen the burden on hospitals by sharing resources and shifting patients based on age and needs, according to The Oklahoman.

Oregon

Projected peak resource use: April 22

The projected peak in daily deaths: April 24

Social distancing is paying off in Oregon, as officials say they are, “[c]autiously optimistic that the case curves in their state is beginning to bend downward,” The Hill reports. Still, the peak of coronavirus-related deaths in the Pacific Northwest state is not expected to arrive until April 24. To further flatten the curve of COVID-19, it was announced on April 8 that schools in the state will “remain closed for the rest of the school year,” according to NBC affiliate KGW8.

Pennsylvania

Projected peak resource use: April 13

The projected peak in daily deaths: April 15

The Keystone State is expected to reach peak coronavirus casualties on April 15, but if reports are true that an entire nursing home in the western part of the state, staff, and residents, are positive for COVID-19, there could be a second peak. Governor Tom Wolf has, “[o]rdered flags at all state buildings and grounds to be lowered to half-staff until further notice to honor victims of the pandemic,” per 6 ABC.

Rhode Island

Projected peak resource use: April 25

The projected peak in daily deaths: April 29

The tiny oceanfront state has one of the latest projected coronavirus peaks: April 25 is when the state’s hospital resources will likely be hardest hit with hundreds of ICU bed shortages. On April 29, Rhode Island is expected to see the most single-day deaths from COVID-19. Here’s how coronavirus is different from other pandemics throughout history.

South Carolina

Projected peak resource use: April 24

The projected peak in daily deaths: April 25

The expected coronavirus peak in South Carolina is April 25, but Republican Sen. Tim Scott is not waiting to protect communities of color. He is leading the call for the federal government to use its platform to instruct and help, “[g]iven African Americans and Latinos tend to have asthma and hypertension at higher rates,” per GoUpState.com.

South Dakota

Projected peak resource use: April 27

The projected peak in daily deaths: April 27

Thanks to a generally sparse population, South Dakota is not expected to be hit hard by COVID-19. Although, on April 8, a Sioux Falls meatpacking plant confirmed 80 positive tests among its workers, per InForum. South Dakota’s peak coronavirus day is projected to be April 27 with a total of eight deaths on that day and an expected total of 189 by August 4.

Tennessee

Projected peak resource use: April 17

The projected peak in daily deaths: April 18

Governor Bill Lee delayed in responding to the pandemic and then issued a less emphatic “safer at home” order to protect personal liberties. The result has been more four times the number of positive coronavirus tests than neighboring Kentucky and more deaths. The peak for the state is expected on April 17 and projections put the total fatalities in Tennessee at over 600 through August 4.

Texas

Projected peak resource use: April 22

The projected peak in daily deaths: April 24

Some Walgreens in Texas will soon be offering 15-minute COVID-19 tests, which will hopefully help to flatten the curve in the Longhorn state ahead of the expecting Coronavirus peak in Texas on April 24.

Utah

Projected peak resource use: April 25

The projected peak in daily deaths: April 26

On April 8, Utah Physicians for a Healthy Environment released a dire warning about the potentially fatal effects of Utah’s air pollution on COVID-19 patients, which could impact and alter the expected peak of April 26. Here’s what your parents need during the Coronavirus outbreak.

Vermont

Projected peak resource use: April 1

The projected peak in daily deaths: April 4

The coronavirus curve appears to be flat in Vermont, with the peak day having passed (April 4). The original stay at home order was to expire on April 15. “Your sacrifices are having an impact. These steps are literally saving lives,” Governor Phil Scott said. He’s expected to extend the order. “We can’t lift our foot off the gas just yet, because this can change in an instant,” Scott added.

Virginia

Projected peak resource use: April 20

The projected peak in daily deaths: April 22

Frightening news emerged on April 8 as employees at the Virginia Boar’s Head facility have tested positive for COVID-19. This adds to the worry coming out of Henrico County that, “148 residents and staff at Canterbury Rehabilitation & Healthcare Center have tested positive for the virus,” per the Washington Post. Considering Virginia’s Coronavirus peak is not expected until April 22, the state appears to have its work cut out to flatten the curve.

Washington

Projected peak resource use: April 2

The projected peak in daily deaths: April 2

Once an epicenter of the COVID-19 outbreak, the coronavirus curve of Washington state appears to be flattening, with the peak in the rearview mirror. While urging residents to remain diligent, Governor Jay Inslee announced on April 8 that the “Department of Defense field hospital currently stationed at the Century Link Field Event Center will be returned to the Federal Emergency Management Agency so it can be deployed to another state facing a more significant need.”

West Virginia

Projected peak resource use: April 15

The projected peak in daily deaths: April 17

Governor Jim Justice’s stay at home order went into place on March 24 which has aided the relatively low positive COVID-19 test results in the state. The result is a total expected death toll due to coronavirus of 103 and a peak day of April 17.

Wisconsin

Projected peak resource use: April 13

The projected peak in daily deaths: April 15

“The threat of the coronavirus is only compounded by a legacy of racial disparities that makes Milwaukee one of the worst places to be black in the United States,” The Guardian reports. The site of long lines of Wisconsin residents trying to socially distance while trying to vote may impact the data in the weeks to come but as of April 8, the expected peak death day from coronavirus in the state is April 15.

Wyoming

Projected peak resource use: April 29

The projected peak in daily deaths: April 30

The American state with the smallest population also has the latest COVID-19 peak day, April 30, and the one of the lowest projected coronavirus-related death total of 67. As of April 8, “Wyoming remains the only state with no reported deaths from the novel coronavirus,” per KTWO Radio. Deaths aren’t the only devastating impact of the coronavirus, find out how much it has cost the world (so far).

For more on this developing situation, see our comprehensive Coronavirus Guide.