Thursday, April 30, 2020

We can protect the most vulnerable and reopen the economy

We can simultaneously increase protection for those who are most vulnerable to coronavirus and, with appropriate precautions, reopen most of our economy and society.

The key to unlocking this false dilemma is a clear understanding of who is most vulnerable to death from this novel killer - and who is not.

As data from the deaths of the more than 58,000 of our fellow citizens to date show, the answer is clear.

More than 80 percent of all the deaths in America from coronavirus have come from this group.

In the death toll to date, how many were individuals under 25? Of the 200 million Americans under 45, how many have died from this novel virus? The answers are: fewer than 100 among under 25s and fewer than 1,000 under 45s. ADVERTISEMENT. Thus, in contrast to the specter of a nation at risk, when properly understood, coronavirus should be seen as a big threat to a small percentage of our population and a small threat to the overwhelming majority.

Specifically, Purdue's guidelines call for "Protecting the more vulnerable members of our community by allowing them to work remotely"; "Spreading out classes across days and times"; and "Pre-testing students and staff before arrival in August." To make this feasible, the university is mobilizing its relevant scientific community, including its own BLS-2 level laboratory to ensure abundant testing and fast results.

If we can summon the combination of imagination and courage that Daniels has demonstrated, the U.S. now has an opportunity to reduce the risk of death from coronavirus for the most vulnerable, while at the same time allowing most of society to return to their livelihoods and lives.

https://thehill.com/opinion/healthcare/494949-we-can-protect-the-most-vulnerable-and-reopen-the-economy

No comments: