As demonstrations against police brutality and racism have spread across the entire United States since the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis, solidarity protests have sprung in several countries around the world. These protests have sparked fears of a potential second wave of the coronavirus pandemic in the coming weeks due to lack of social distancing within large crowds for long periods of time.
New York Governor Andrew Cuomo addressed protestors on Tuesday, stating that they could threaten all of the progress the epicenter of coronavirus outbreak in the United States has done to contain the virus. The state has been reporting record lows of new hospitalizations recently, bringing both the death rate and infection rate lower as the state moves into economic recovery.
"I know a lot of the protestors are so annoyed they don't want to hear about COVID anymore. 'COVID is yesterday's news.' No, COVID is still a problem," Cuomo stated during a Tuesday press briefing. "COVID still kills also, so be mindful and respectful of that."
Throughout the United States, cities have issued overnight curfews to help ease the unrest. However, the protests still continue, making health officials worry of the silent spread of the virus.
To add to the importance of social distancing, a new study published in The Lancet medical journal on Monday found that physical distance and face coverings were the best ways to slow the transmission of the enduring virus.
The study, funded by the World Health Organization, concluded that chance of transmission at a distance of less than 1 meter (3.3 feet) was 12.8%, while that chance at more than 1 meter fell to 2.6%. The researchers noted that the certainty of the evidence was moderate. For masks, chance of transmission with any covering was 17.4% and a mask brought that chance down to 3.1%. However, researchers the certainty of the evidence was low.
Total Global Cases: Over 6.48 Million
Total Deaths: Over 381,000
Total Recoveries: Over 2.95 Million
Economic Wounds
The Congressional Budget Office (C.B.O.) estimated on Monday that the coronavirus pandemic could cost the United States economy $16 trillion over the next 10 years. Adjusting fro inflations, the pandemic is projected to cause a $7.9 trillion loss in real gross domestic product (GDP) through 2030.
"If future federal policies differ from those underlying C.B.O.'s economic projections--for example, if lawmakers enact additional pandemic-related legislations--then economic outcomes will necessarily differ from those presented here," Director Phillip L. Swagel wrote write in a letter to Senators Chuck Schumer and Bernie Sanders. According to The New York Times, the two had asked the budget office to examine the impact of the pandemic as Congress debates the need for more economic aid.
In a joint statement, the Senators stated: "In order to avoid the risk of another Great Depression, the Senate must act with a fierce sense of urgency...The American people cannot afford to wait another month for the Senate to pass legislations. They need our help now."
While Congressional action may take more time, Bank of America
