NEXU Science Communications
On Friday, the CDC warned that another round of strict social distancing and lockdowns could be on the horizon for the US. An official speaking for the Center of Disease Control and Prevention, Jay Butler, made the comments after some areas have shown rising case numbers. His words underscored fears that the US isn’t out of the woods on COVID-19 yet.
“Right now, communities are experiencing different levels of transmission occurring, as they gradually ease up onto the community mitigation efforts and gradually reopen,” Butler said. “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.”
While the US has been gripped by widespread Black Lives Matter protests in recent weeks, it’s still reeling from the first bout of lockdowns. COVID-19 caused a massive shift in how people’s lives were organized back in March. Live concerts, sports and films were canceled, restaurants closed their doors, and social interaction shifted to online-only.
While things have gradually began shifting back to normal, disease experts say that it likely won’t last. Experts contend that the virus is still present in high numbers in the US. As such, any long period without lockdown efforts will lead to increases in the number of cases. This, in turn, will lead to calls for further lockdowns and strict social distancing measures.
Unfortunately, COVID puts states in a very awkward position. Locking down huge swaths of the economy is catastrophic for the states’ treasuries, as well as the paychecks of working people. However, the virus is not to be underestimated, having sickened over 2 million people and claiming the lives of 113,820.
The disease primarily threatens older people. The last thing an older patient wants to worry about is yet another disease that could threaten their lives. It’s enough to make ends meet while trying to afford Enbrel medication and vitamins. Now, add on to that contending with a respiratory illness pandemic.
States seeing outbreaks of the virus have a tough choice. They could implement a second round of strict lockdowns, trying the patience and wallets of their citizens. Or, they could hope that hospitals are able to handle the increased demand, risking lives in the process. Contrary to the popular perception, this isn’t an easy call. Until there is a vaccine for the novel coronavirus, however, this is a decision states will be faced with.
