As coronavirus cases have begun to increase again in recent weeks, most of the United States has chosen to keep schools closed and restaurants open, while Europe is doing the opposite. Yet, over the past few weeks, many European countries have managed to reduce their growth rates as compared to ours. So, what is Europe doing differently?
Europe is specifically putting an end to indoor gatherings that most commonly spread the virus. For example, on November 5th, England closed all pubs, restaurants, gyms, and more, and announced they would remain closed until at least December 2nd. France, Germany, and the Catalonia region of Spain similarly shut down restaurants as well as other businesses.
The virus is now spreading so quickly in the U.S. that opening schools would pose risks, and to keep schools open safely, the U.S. would require closing other public spaces, but only a few states — Washington, Oregon, Michigan, and New Mexico — have closed indoor dining recently.
The number of new cases in the U.S. has been rising every day for more than a month, with a daily average now more than twice as high as it was during any point this summer. Researchers now estimate almost every American knows someone who has been infected, and approximately 1/3 of Americans know someone who has died.
The U.S. case and hospitalization numbers are staggering, and it is clear that the U.S seems to be falling short of any solution to the pandemic. Further contributing to the lack of an effective response, President Trump has refused to allow his coronavirus task force to communicate with President-elect Biden’s transition team, according to Anthony Fauci. Our lack of a coordinated response, evident from the very beginning of the epidemic as it reached the U.S., continues to keep the United States from effectively controlling the pandemic.
- Claire
Reference:
Leonhardt, David. “Different Virus Responses.” The New York Times, 16 Nov. 2020, nyti.ms/36EjHG2.
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