The federal government is working on a $1 trillion coronavirus stimulus package to try and rescue the U.S. economy from the abyss opened by the coronavirus pandemic. Other major governments have announced similar plans, aimed at keeping businesses afloat as virtually all of their customers are told to stay home to help stop the spread of COVID-19.
France, Belgium, and even San Francisco have followed Italy’s example, ordering all residents to stay home for all but essential outings. Officials in New York are clearly debating a lockdown for America’s biggest city, too, but for most Americans, it remains just a stern recommendation.
“Stay at home as much as possible, limit the spread,” Surgeon General Jerome Adams said Tuesday, reiterating the Trump administration’s appeal for people nationwide to avoid unnecessary travel and all gatherings. “We do not want to look like Italy does two weeks from now.”
There are signs Italy’s national lockdown is starting to slow the spread of the disease, but the strict measures came too late to prevent a disaster. COVID-19 has killed more than 2,500 people in the country. Hospitals, doctors and nurses have been pushed beyond capacity.
The death toll in the U.S. has hit 110, with more than 6,300 people diagnosed. Deaths jumped from 90 to 109 on Tuesday alone, the deadliest day yet in America’s outbreak. The global death toll is over 7,950.
Experts agree the U.S. is about to see a significant increase in cases. As that daunting challenge looms, medical workers on the front lines are facing dangerous shortages of life-saving equipment, and many fear for their own safety.
Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for detailed information on coronavirus treatment and prevention.
