WASHINGTON: Americans are turning on each other over wearing (or not) of masks, social distancing, and closures, as Covid-19 cases continue to soar, heading towards the 100,000 per day mark by end-August that the country’s leading infectious diseases specialist Dr Anthony Fauci had warned about if strict mitigation measures were not enforced.
With more than 77,000 cases – a new record — reported on Thursday, (and almost 1000 deaths), the White House task force is said to be recommending that 18 states in the coronavirus “red zone” should roll back reopening measures, even as economic despair is looming for millions of unemployed Americans with the $ 600 per week aid under a special legislation ending later this month.
The 969 lives lost Thursday is the highest since June 10 and there are fears that the daily toll could continue to climb since experts say deaths lag rise in infection rates. Hard hit states such as Texas and Arizona are reported to be running out of ICU beds and morgue space, bringing in coolers and refrigerated trailers