

States of alarm: America’s covid-19 surge
Jun 29, 2020
Join John Parker, The Economist's international correspondent, as he delves into the alarming COVID-19 resurgence across the U.S., particularly in states that reopening early. He discusses how fragmented responses hinder effective management and the troubling environmental impact of pandemic-related plastics. Parker also highlights the cultural nuances of bullfighting in South Korea, exploring its future amid changing public perceptions. This engaging conversation touches on intricate connections between health, environment, and tradition.
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Resurging Cases
- Several US states hit new daily highs for COVID-19 cases over the weekend, including Florida, South Carolina, and Nevada.
- The national total surged beyond 2.5 million, with states quickest to reopen experiencing the worst surges.
Alarming Rise in US Cases
- Case numbers and death rates are rising sharply in America since early June, unlike the trend seen in Europe.
- The three most populous states—California, Texas, and Florida—have seen the largest increases, with Florida approaching 10,000 new daily cases.
Lockdowns and Resurgence
- There's a correlation between early lockdown easing and the resurgence of cases.
- States that reopened sooner are now worst affected, while those slower to reopen, like the Northeast, see falling cases.