As of April 10, 467,200 (.14% of the entire U.S. population) have been “confirmed” with COVID-19. 16,700 (.005% of the population) have died from the virus. It’s been shown that cities and states that were quick to take this pandemic seriously and implement social separation, hand washing and now face masks, have fared much better than some of the other “hot spots” around the country.
The economic consequences due to COVID-19 have been epic. Projected unemployment of 12.6% (or more) by June 2020; probability of recession 96%; industries like transportation, hospitality (hotels, restaurants), travel (and employees) decimated. Millions of new applications for unemployment claims. The stock market has affected everyone’s retirement accounts and has pushed all the public pension plans right into a huge pool of quicksand - Might even be the tipping point?
Deaths caused by influenza over the past two flu seasons were over 95,000. Annual deaths caused by drug overdose, suicide, alcohol abuse and diabetes total 288,000. Cancer alone takes over 600,000 lives annually. I think it’s time for Americans to step up, practice social separation, wear a mask outside the home and decide for themselves when and where they want to reengage with their local businesses. Medication and vaccines will be available asap. It’s time to support our economy and get it back on its feet before a total collapse of our society.