A widely cited coronavirus model has upped its death projection to more than 224,000 fatalities by November.

The U.S. death toll currently stands at more than 136,000, meaning that the nation will see roughly 88,000 additional fatalities over the next three and half months if the prediction plays out.

The previous update from the model, which is run by the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation at the University of Washington, predicted approximately 16,000 fewer deaths by Nov. 1. The jump in the newest estimate is due to widespread new infections and an upswing in hospitalizations, according to IHME.

In Florida, which has been called the new epicenter for the virus in the U.S., the death toll is expected to reach 19,000 by November. The state currently reports about 4,500 fatalities from the virus.

However, if 95% of people in the U.S. wore masks while in public spaces, IHME predicts that approximately 40,000 lives would be saved.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Tuesday urged Americans to wear masks in an editorial published in the Journal of the American Medical Association.

“We are not defenseless against COVID-19,” CDC Director Robert Redfield said in a statement accompanying the editorial. “Cloth face coverings are one of the most powerful weapons we have to slow and stop the spread of the virus – particularly when used universally within a community setting. All Americans have a responsibility to protect themselves, their families, and their communities.”

Some perceive wearing a mask as a political statement. President Donald Trump wore a mask in public for the first time this past weekend after refusing to do so since the outbreak took hold in the U.S.