US Reopening Triggered Resurgence of COVID-19

(11 June 2020)  When social protests erupted across the United States in mid-April against the COVID-19 lockdown numerous health experts warned that any resumption of normal activities would be disastrous and lead to an overwhelming number of new infections. Experts urged citizens to be patient and pressed government leaders for restrictions through at least mid-May.

For the most part, expert voices were drowned out. Today the latest COVID-19 data confirms what health experts warned of with at least 10 US states suffering a second wave of the disease.

• As of June 10, the number of new daily COVID-19 cases in Arizona, South Carolina, and Utah grew by 170-210 percent compared to the first peak in those states.
• Arizona has suffered the most, pushing Arizona authorities to activate emergency plans for hospitals. Since reopening on May 15, the number of daily cases in Arizona has tripled. In addition, the number of currently hospitalized patients has increased 58 percent and number the of ventilated patients is up 23 percent.
• US stocks tanked as cautious commentary from the Federal Reserve and rising coronavirus infection rates prompted investor concern. All three major indexes posted their biggest single-day declines since March 16.