The Intelligence from The Economist States of alarm: America’s covid-19 surge
Jun 29, 2020
Join John Parker, The Economist's international correspondent, as he delves into the alarming COVID-19 resurgence across the U.S., particularly in states that reopening early. He discusses how fragmented responses hinder effective management and the troubling environmental impact of pandemic-related plastics. Parker also highlights the cultural nuances of bullfighting in South Korea, exploring its future amid changing public perceptions. This engaging conversation touches on intricate connections between health, environment, and tradition.
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Alarming Rise in US Cases
- Case numbers and death rates are rising sharply in America since early June, unlike the trend seen in Europe.
- The three most populous states—California, Texas, and Florida—have seen the largest increases, with Florida approaching 10,000 new daily cases.
Lockdowns and Resurgence
- There's a correlation between early lockdown easing and the resurgence of cases.
- States that reopened sooner are now worst affected, while those slower to reopen, like the Northeast, see falling cases.
Testing and Positive Rates
- Increased testing doesn't fully explain the rise in COVID-19 cases.
- Positive test rates are also rising, sometimes doubling, in places like Louisiana and Texas.