US President Donald Trump said on Thursday it was possible the United States would have a coronavirus vaccine before the Nov 3 election, a more optimistic forecast than timing put forth by his own White House health experts, according to Reuters.

Asked on the Geraldo Rivera radio programme when a vaccine might be ready, Trump said, “Sooner than the end of the year, could be much sooner.” “Sooner than November 3?” he was asked.

“I think in some cases, yes possible before, but right around that time,” Trump said.

Trump, who is seeking re-election to a second term amid a US economy crippled by coronavirus shutdowns, has pushed for schools to reopen and things to get “back to normal” as coronavirus deaths in the country average more than 1,000 per day.