Corona Effect

Trump proposes three-phased revival plan

US President’s plans to restart economic and social activities see opposition from health experts who think it is premature as it leads to flare-ups

Police officers and pedestrians cheer medical workers outside NYU Medical Center in New York. —Photo: AP

IANS

New York  18.04.2020

US President Donald Trump has proposed a three-phase, locally targeted plan for opening the coronavirus-battered nation, but will leave the decision on implementing it in the hands of the state Governors. “We are opening up our great country,” Trump declared on Thursday with his two highly regarded medical advisers, Anthony Fauci and Deborah Birx at his side. “America wants to be open, and Americans want to be open,” he said.

Trump unveiled the guidelines after a teleconference with state Governors. Trump’s plans to restart economic and social activities in a nation facing serious economic and social setbacks have met with opposition from Democrats and some public health experts who think it is premature and could lead to coronavirus flare-ups.

To be gated in order to begin the phases, a State will have to have a downward trajectory of people with both influenza and Covid-19 symptoms as well those testing positive for the disease, in addition to having adequate testing for health care workers.

Easing curbs

In the first phase, some of the workers can return to work in phases, with special accommodation for vulnerable people and social distancing, but telecommuting will be the preferred method. Vulnerable people will be under Stay-at-Home rules and others will have to observe social distancing and groups of more than ten will not be allowed to socialised. Religious meetings and events like sports can take place under social distancing norms.

If there is no rebound and the states again meet the gating requirement like cases going down further over 14 days, they can move to the second phase, where restrictions are further loosened to allow socialise in groups of up to 50, permit non-essential travel, and reopen schools and gyms, allow elective surgery.