When COVID-19 first emerged as a very real threat to the U.S., it seemed that cases began to multiply at some key points overnight, primarily the Northeast. But although the pandemic has slowed in some parts of the country, other states are now recording their highest daily rates of new cases. And health experts fear that if this trend continues, state leaders may have no choice but to implement measures that force Americans to stay home once again.
But a massive blockade will not only anger and bother Americans, it could also seriously harm our chances of a relatively rapid economic recovery. The United States is currently dealing with a recession, and many small businesses are only now opening their doors after months of being forced to close. If the increase in COVID-19 that has been occurring in recent weeks continues, the consequences could be serious.
Still, there may be a small silver lining to the recent spike in cases, and that is that it may lead lawmakers to finally agree on a second stimulus payment, money desperate Americans have been waiting for since the first round I went out in April.
Image source: Getty Images.
Is there a second stimulus payment on the cards?
Lawmakers have been debating the need for a second stimulus check for weeks. In fact, the Democrats’ proposed HEROES Act, which calls for a follow-up round of stimulus controls of up to $ 1,200 for adults and dependents, has already reached the Senate. There is only one problem: it is unlikely to go anywhere. Republican lawmakers have made it clear they oppose the HEROES Act in its current form, especially given its $ 3 trillion cost. And they have also cited a reopening of the economy as a reason not to move forward with a second round of stimulus.
But all of that could change now that the outbreak appears to be getting worse, at least at certain critical points. If the numbers of cases continue to rise, there is a good chance that much of the country will be forced to return to blocking mode. Once that happens, nonessential companies are likely to close, restaurants will likely revert to the takeaway and delivery model that followed earlier this year, and millions more Americans will risk losing their jobs, exacerbating the existing unemployment crisis.
So while no one wants to see the outbreak worsen, we can also expect the events of the past few weeks to serve as a wake-up call for lawmakers who have opposed a second stimulus payment from the start. Despite signs of an economic recovery in early June, we’re not even close to being out of the woods from a public health perspective, and that should only underscore the need for additional relief.
President Trump has already stated that he expects a second aid package to be sent, but we know nothing about what its details may entail. What we do What we know is that many Americans rely on follow-up stimulus control, and there is a good chance that, like the pandemic, the recession we are fighting may be long and long.
