The Intelligence from The Economist

Intensive scare: covid-19 ravages America

Dec 4, 2020
Stephen Gibbs, the Venezuela correspondent for The Economist, discusses the ruling party's strategies as it prepares to dominate the National Assembly elections, sidelining opposition leader Juan Guaidó. Adam Roberts, the Midwest correspondent, highlights the harrowing COVID-19 crisis unfolding in America, particularly in the Midwest, where healthcare systems are on the brink. Oliver Morton reflects on the rich legacy and tragic demise of the Arecibo telescope, which once played a crucial role in astronomy and showcased humanity's quest for knowledge.
Ask episode
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
INSIGHT

Grim COVID-19 Milestones in America

  • America faces a grim COVID-19 milestone, with record daily deaths and hospitalizations exceeding 100,000.
  • 90% of US hospitals are in coronavirus hot zones, and healthcare systems are overwhelmed.
ANECDOTE

Overwhelmed Midwest Hospitals

  • Midwest hospitals are nearing capacity, with ICUs at 80-90% occupancy, according to healthcare workers.
  • Hospitals are clearing space by sending home inpatients and adding ICU beds while postponing elective surgeries.
INSIGHT

Misconceptions about Hospital Capacity

  • The public and politicians may not fully grasp the severity of overwhelmed hospitals, including the impact of cancelling elective surgeries.
  • Cancelling elective surgeries can delay crucial cancer treatments and other important interventions.
Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode
Get the app