Although most countries are now “tightening their belts” to stop the virus from spreading, the US, which is currently the leader in the number of cases, by contrast, is going to lift restrictions on social distancing and self-isolation.
In early May, the United States may lift some of the social distance guidelines introduced in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. According to recent data, the number of victims of the virus in the country has exceeded 22,000.
A leading health expert in the presidential administration, Dr Anthony Fauchi, said some measures could be relaxed next month.
It’s not yet clear when the White House will decide. Trump is under pressure from both health experts who insist on scientific compliance and from businesses that are facing unprecedented economic challenges.
Unlike other Western-style democracies, in the United States it is not the president but the local government that determines when and what restrictions are imposed in a situation similar to the current state of emergency.
As for the fight against COVID-19, the president tweeted on Sunday, “We win and win the war against the invisible enemy!” , but is this really true?
Meanwhile, the New York Times called Trump a leader who didn’t act fast enough. The examination showed that the president was warned about the possibility of a pandemic, but internal disagreements, lack of planning and faith in his own instincts led to a halt in the response.
Dr. Fauchi, who advised the six presidents, noted that earlier actions to reduce the spread of the virus “could have saved lives”.