While the United States only has 4% of the world‘s population, it has 25% of all COVID-19 cases. With cases only increasing, it is no surprise that the pandemic is far from under control. So what is the U.S. doing wrong? Why can’t we seem to get our cases under control?
Originating in Wuhan, China, the first proven COVID-19 case was November 17th, 2019 — almost exactly a year ago. While not arriving in the United States until the end of January 2020, it did not prove to be a problem until March when it was declared a global pandemic by the World Health Organization. Since there’s been a seemingly endless amount of time since the beginning of the pandemic, it should have been under control by now, but cases are rising higher than ever. Many countries have the virus under control, but America is not one of these places, as many schools haven’t been in session since March, when it became a serious issue. Why is this?
When the virus first became an issue, many people were panicked and felt isolated by staying in their houses for months, which was recommended by the CDC. When having tasked to go shopping, many people saw this as daunting and dangerous, as fear of the virus was very widespread. But as the months have passed, and the coronavirus still being at large, this fear of contracting the virus has become less and less prevalent. With people feeling much more comfortable to go on errands, see their friends, and generally go out more, the spread of the virus has only increased — and people no longer seem to care. With people feeling more and more nonchalant toward the virus, it is no surprise that cases aren’t decreasing, as more people are resuming their lives as normal. Although it seems like a terrible thing to be isolated for a couple more months, this may be what is necessary to eliminate the virus, especially in the US.