Scientists in the United States have urged the government to re-establish its approach to the coronavirus pandemic, warning that the world’s worst affected country “was not on track to control” an outbreak that has so far killed 150,000 people and infected 4.4 millions.
Wednesday’s call from Johns Hopkins University researchers came as the United States reported its largest single-day increase in COVID-19 deaths since May, with the states of California, Texas, and Florida setting records for one-day deaths. .
The scientists’ policy report said that while the United States had managed to reduce cases in May by implementing strict stay-at-home orders, the current surge in infections was overwhelming hospitals in many parts of the country and “stressing many sectors of society. ” from business to education and healthcare. “
Hospitalization rates for COVID-19 in most states now match or exceed numbers seen in New York City, the earliest epicenter of the outbreak in the country during the peak months of March and April.
“Unlike many countries in the world, the United States is not currently underway to control this epidemic. It is time to restart,” said the report, which outlines 10 actions necessary to stop the spread of the virus.
The main one was a recommendation for the universal use of masks, physical distance, hand hygiene and avoiding large gatherings.
“Without having these measures in place, it will be difficult to maintain control of outbreaks or turn around an outbreak that is accelerating,” the report said.
“COVID-19 has reached a point in the United States where these protective actions should no longer be called a matter of individual choice, but measures of social responsibility.”
Orders to stay home
In areas where the outbreak is getting worse, officials must reinstate orders to stay home until the numbers improve for at least two weeks, according to the report. Such a decision will be detrimental, he acknowledged, and therefore leaders must prioritize clear and transparent communications to convey to the public the motivations and deadlines set for the closings.
Other recommendations included reinforcing supplies of personal protective equipment and diagnostic test kits. in health centers. The scientists also called for better analysis of epidemiological data and to expand contact tracking across the country.
“The coronavirus pandemic is the most serious epidemic threat to the United States in a century,” the report said.
“The United States has reached a tipping point in the outbreak’s trajectory, and ways in which the response can be improved must be seriously considered. Now is the time to move forward to reduce transmission and save lives.”
The brief echoes the advice of many health experts who say the US outbreak could be brought under control if guidelines were applied to maintain physical distance and wear masks in public across the country.
But President Donald Trump has rejected a federal mask order, and while he was initially reluctant to be seen wearing one, he recently came up with the idea.
The president is also pushing states to reopen schools completely when the academic year begins in the fall, but teacher unions and local officials have asked that students stay home and that classes be moved online. .
Meanwhile, experts say the new surge in cases is hampering the country’s economic recovery effort.
“We have seen some signs in recent weeks that the surge in virus cases and renewed measures to control it are beginning to affect economic activity,” Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell said on Wednesday.
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