Washington / New York (TEH) – US President Donald Trump has called on the Americans to stick together in the face of dramatically rising infection and death rates in the coronavirus crisis.
NUMBERS IN THE USA ALWAYS INCREASE
In the United States, the number of confirmed infections with the novel coronavirus rose to more than 200,000 on Wednesday – more than anywhere else in the world. This comes from data from the Johns Hopkins University. The university recorded more than 213,000 cases and more than 4,700 deaths.
MORE VICTIMS THAN EVERY DAY BEFORE
The US broadcaster CNN reported that with more than 900 deaths on Wednesday, the US had more victims than ever in a day. The White House fears between 100,000 and 240,000 deaths in the United States from the coronavirus, despite measures to contain it. Trump recently extended these protective measures until the end of April.
THE PROBLEM WITH COMPARABILITY
Based on the absolute number of confirmed infections, the United States is the worst affected by the coronavirus pandemic worldwide. The values of individual countries are difficult to compare due to the different test rates and the expected high number of unreported cases. In addition, the comparison of the absolute numbers lags because of the different population sizes. Based on 100,000 inhabitants, there are more infections detected in Germany than in the USA.
Doubt about China’s numbers
In China, where COVID-19 lung disease was first detected, there were around 82,000 confirmed infections by Wednesday. The US broadcaster Fox News, citing US intelligence sources, reported that China has deliberately understated the number of infections and deaths. When asked about this, Trump said at the White House press conference: “Your numbers seem a little on the low side.”
TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS IN THE USA?
Trump said when asked that his government was considering stopping flights between the epidemic hotspots and other destinations in the country. However, that would hit hard on the already badly battered airlines in the country, which are an important industry. The same applies to train connections to the hard-hit areas. “It is a very difficult decision.”
TRUMPS FRIEND IN CORONA COMA
Trump was asked again about his change of course: he had recently compared the coronavirus epidemic to the flu again. At the press conference, he said: “”The flu has never been like that.” The virus is much more contagious. He spoke again about a friend who was in a coma because of the virus. “When it hits the right person, that person is in big trouble. And my friend was the right person.
WHO NEEDS TO DIE?
In Governor Andrew Cuomo, citizens of New York City, which was hit particularly hard by the Corona crisis, still don’t adhere strictly to contact restrictions. “Who needs to die before you understand that you have a responsibility?” Cuomo said at his daily press conference. He announced that he would, therefore, close the playgrounds in New York City.
