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Exponential rise in Covid-19 cases pushing US towards 'one of the most unstable times in history', says expert

On June 10, the country reported nearly 70,000 new cases, breaking the previous record of more than 46,500 new cases on July 7
PUBLISHED JUL 12, 2020
(Getty Images)
(Getty Images)

Covid-19 is tightening its grip in the US as some states create new records. A public health expert said that if the unrelenting surge in cases continues, the country could soon head towards "one of the most unstable times in the history". "We will have hospitals overwhelmed and not only in terms of ICU beds and hospitals — and that's bad — but exhausted hospital staff and hospital staff that's getting ill themselves," Dr Peter Hotez from Baylor College of Medicine told CNN. "So, we won't have enough manpower, human power, to manage all of this," he added.

The US has confirmed more than 3.24 million Covid-19 cases and 134,764 deaths so far. On June 10, the country reported nearly 70,000 new cases, breaking previous records of 45,557 new infections on June 24, 45,942 on June 27 and more than 46,500 new cases on July 7, according to NBC. The states that are contributing the most to the rising tally are Alaska, Georgia, Idaho, Iowa, Louisiana, Montana, Ohio, Utah and Wisconsin.

They have emerged as coronavirus hotspots. Additionally, 44 states are witnessing an increase in new cases in the past 14 days, a Reuters analysis of cases said. "All people who study these viruses think that the summer is a quiet time. Think about that. This is the quiet time for coronavirus," Dr William Haseltine, a former professor at Harvard Medical School, told CNN on Friday. "If this is a quiet time, I hate to think what winter is going to be like this year."

Walt Disney World Resort reopens as Florida's ICUs reach full capacity

Walt Disney reopened its resort on June 11 (Getty Images)

According to reports, about 40 hospitals have their ICUs reaching their limits. "We’re putting ourselves at risk and other people aren’t willing to do anything," Dr Andrew Pastewski, intensive care unit medical director at Jackson South medical center in Miami, told Reuters. "Instead, people are going the other way and helping the disease spread," Pastewsk, who himself contracted Covid-19, added. “It’s just disheartening." Despite these desperate times, Walt Disney reopened its resort on June 11. Thousands reportedly thronged to the resort, all of whom were asked to wear masks and follow safety guidelines.

Outbreak in garment factory underscores need to follow guidelines

Recently, more than 300 employees of a garment manufacturer caught the disease in Los Angeles. Four have died. "The death of four dedicated garment workers is heartbreaking and tragic," Dr Barbara Ferrer of the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (DPH) said in a statement. "Business owners and operators have a corporate, moral and social responsibility to their employees and their families to provide a safe work environment."

The company, Los Angeles Apparel, reportedly failed to follow safety guidelines. The DPH was alerted of a possible outbreak on June 19. A week later, health officials visited the factory and found multiple violations, including a lack of physical distancing and infection control protocols. The company was asked to shut down until it implemented safety measures.

Then, on June 4, authorities allowed the manufacturer to resume operations — but only with employees who tested positive before June 26. But the company violated the orders and reopened with new employees, according to reports. "At this time, Los Angeles Apparel is under orders to remain closed until they can show that the facility is in full compliance with public health mandates," the DPH said.

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