The Centers For Disease Control And Prevention (CDC) has just issued a terrifying warning about a second wave of coronavirus as states start to lift their lockdowns. Officials are warning that we may need to lock down again if we see COVID-19 numbers start to spike.

“If cases begin to go up again, particularly if they go up dramatically, it’s important to recognize that more mitigation efforts such as what were implemented back in March may be needed again,” said Jay Butler, the agency’s deputy director for infectious diseases.

Butler went on to add that the second wave of lockdowns could be accomplished on a local level instead of a state-wide level.

“Right now, communities are experiencing different levels of transmission occurring, as they gradually ease up onto the community mitigation efforts and gradually reopen,” he explained.

 NBC News reported that CDC Director Robert Redfield added that it continues to be “extremely important” that Americans heed the advice of experts when it comes to things like hand-washing and wearing a face covering when in public.

“I know that people are eager to return to normal activities and ways of life, important that we remember this,” he said. “This situation is unprecedented. And that the pandemic has not ended.”

Butler jumped back in to say that there is still a risk of contracting coronavirus whenever one is out in public.

“The more closely you interact with others, the longer the interactions last, and more people involved, the higher risk of COVID-19,” he said.

Butler then explained that the guidelines for attending events aren’t tied to any particular mass gatherings.

“They are applicable to any type of event that may occur,” he said. “Americans should consider whether they will be able to social distance, have access to hand hygiene and wear face coverings. People should not attend events if they are sick or have been exposed to someone with COVID-19.”

Coronavirus has killed hundreds of thousands of people all over the world and caused mass lockdowns over the past few months. As the country begins to reopen, it remains to be seen whether the number of infections will increase in the coming weeks or months.