In Brief:
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- The U.S. now leads the world with the highest number of infected due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Although the virus seems to be weakening overall, it has taken a massive toll on the global economy.
- Top medical officials believe that the nation should be under complete quarantine for up to 10 weeks in order to flatten the curve.
- Thousands have begun to protest rent payments as more than 6 million Americans are now out of work. There is now fear that COVID-19 will return in the fall.
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The White House plan of attack is clear: stay in doors and don’t seek medical help unless your condition rapidly deteriorates. Americans are now flooded with images that used to only exist in Hollywood movies. Hospitals continue to burn through vital supplies at an alarming rate, make-shift morgues are being constructed across major cities, and supermarkets shelves lie barren.
Although there is hope that extreme social-distancing measures are having a positive effect against COVID-19, top medical experts believe that almost 240,000 Americans may die before the virus subsides. Dr. Anthony Fauci, a name every America is now familiar with, believes COVID-19 may return when the weather gets colder in the fall.
COVID-19: Just the Facts
The interactive chart above provides a detailed synopsis of the global fight against COVID-19. Click here for daily updates.
Total Confirmed of 932,605 reflects the number of people who have been infected.
Total Recovered of 193,177 reflects the number of people who have completely recovered.
Total Deaths of 42,075 reflects the number of people who have died from COVID-19. However the rate of death has declined as treatments have been implemented.
A key component of the interactive chart is located in the lower-right corner.
You can see the effect that COVID-19 is having on the U.S. with this informative map:
This chart is described below:
- Mainland China is orange – note that this curve has flattened which means that the spread of the virus has declined significantly.
- All Locations other than Mainland China are consolidated within the yellow line – note that the curve inclines sharply, it is not flat. This means the virus continues to rapidly spread outside of Mainland China.
- Total Patients who have recovered are reflected within the green line – note that this curve also inclines sharply. The reason for this sharp incline is because so many victims from Mainland China have already recovered.
There is a growing sentiment amongst the global community that the U.S is panicking because the federal government has implemented many restrictions in a very short manner. The fact though is that the reason why the U.S. is implementing sharp restrictions so quickly is to head off the growth and to flatten its own bell curve.
What Does it Mean to Flatten the Curve?
When experts like Dr. Anthony Fauci, Director of the National Institute of Allergies and Infectious Diseases, discuss the need to “flatten the curve”, they are referring to health strategies that would decrease the number of infected people.
By employing “social-distancing” a buzz-word term for avoiding physical contact with strangers, crowded areas, and practicing proper-sanitation at all times, the highest number of those infected (the peak), will be much lower.
While there is legitimate cause for concern amongst the most vulnerable in our population, when countries employ quarantine measures, the efficacy of COVID-19 dramatically plummets. To assist the social distance “Fix”, on March 16th, the government suggested that people should avoid crowds of over 10 people for 15 days.
The world must now follow the successful Chinese strategy to stop the spread of COVID-19. The government of China initiated several quarantine policies in order to save the lives of millions.
A flattening of the curve for COVID-19 if quarantine measures are enacted
Members of Law Enforcement Continue To Fall Ill
As the economy grinds to a halt in response to COVID-19, many have voiced concern over the possibility of an increase in crime. Although crime has actually dropped nationwide as millions stay indoors, a startling statistic has emerged in New York City. According to reports, 1,400 NYPD employees have become infected with coronavirus out of a possible 36,000. Additionally, 6,100 employees have called in sick in the past week.
The sizable lack of law enforcement in the nation’s largest city comes at a time when the U.S. is experiencing a record number of 911 calls. To combat the dwindling number of law enforcement, Governor Cuomo announced that the city will bring in reserve members and ask current employees to work longer shifts.
Civil unrest has trended up in the past few days. Tenants across California have taken to the streets in protest against rent payments. Protestors argue that they cannot pay their rent in the wake of being laid off. Many Americans must now decide between purchasing food and vital resources or making their rent payments. Activists across the nation are beginning to coordinate rent strikes in response to widespread lay-offs.
Oakland, California passed what many believe is the strongest protection against eviction. The statute restricts landlords from evicting tenants for defaulting on their rent payments. Landlords also cannot charge late fees. The ordinance encourages landlords to develop payment plans for tenants.
Why is a Quarantine So Effective at Defeating COVID-19?
The stark reality is that COVID-19 is among the most easily transmittable viruses that doctors have ever seen. In a matter of weeks, this new coronavirus has spread to every continent but Antarctica. While there is much debate as to how the virus first originated, health experts know that, like other coronaviruses, COVID-19 is transmitted through respiratory droplets. When someone coughs, sneezes, or even breathes, they can easily transmit the virus.
According to the CDC, when someone becomes infected, they may not show symptoms from anywhere between 2-14 days. Known as the incubation period, over 90 percent of those infected begin to show signs around day 5. By day 14, 99 percent of those infected will have already exhibited some symptoms of COVID-19 including a fever, aches, chills, and a dry cough.
Medical Care Suggestions By NYU Langone Medical Center:
NYU Langone Medical Center, one of the leading hospital networks in the country, has the following suggestions in order to maximize your chances of avoiding COVID-19 and what to do if you feel you may be infected.
Take COVID-19 Seriously, But Do Not Panic
There is no disputing Americans will need to alter their way of life for the next few months. This means limiting unnecessary trips out of the house, abstaining from physical contact like hugging and handshakes, and working remotely for an extended period of time.
We can all take comfort in knowing that the American medical system is at the forefront of research and treatment. Never before in history has medical knowledge been so advanced. It’s time to flatten curve – and by altering our lives for a few weeks, we will likely do just that.
