CDC Director: “We were underprepared’ for pandemic

Transcript

The CDC forecast predicts even more coronavirus-related deaths in the US over the next month.

This graph shows the current tallies for Covid 19 cases and fatalities in the US.

John Hopkins University calculates more than 167,000 people have died from the virus.

The CDC predicts that number will rise to about 189,000 by September 5.

And this week many students who headed “back-to-school” in person are now heading back home.

Nationally more than 2,000 students, teachers and staff members across five states are under quarantine after getting exposed to Covid 19.

Many schools across the nation have now shifted back to online learning.

The head of the CDC Doctor Robert Redfield says we need to do better for the next generation.

Redfield says this is the greatest public health crisis to hit this nation in nearly 100 years and we were underprepared.

Redfield warns that if at least 95% of Americans don’t follow basic public health recommendations like mask wearing, handwashing and social distancing, this could be the worst fall season from a public health perspective.

While new cases are steady or falling in 43 states, deaths have averaged more than 1,000 a day for 17 days now.

Covid test positivity rates are on the rise in 35 states with Texas leading the nation at nearly 24%.

In Martin County Florida, north of Palm Beach, an entire elementary school classroom and one bus route were placed under quarantine one day after the district reopened for in person instruction and a student began exhibiting symptoms.

President Trump continues to push for schools to open and college football to resume.

Meanwhile presumptive Democratic nominee Joe Biden is taking a stricter stance on coronavirus.

He wants governors to mandate the use of masks for at least the next three months.

Posted – 8.14.20