World In Crisis: Comparing Country Response
The United States is now seeing the impact of the coronavirus. Businesses, schools, clubs, major sporting events and religious activities are now being halted in response to the Covid-19 pandemic.
There are more than 3,200 recorded cases of the virus and 62 deaths in the United States. The CDC is now recommending all gatherings of 50 people or more to be suspended.
The already- in-place travel ban to China and Italy has been extended to the UK and Ireland.
The Trump Administration is now planning several major chains to assist in the fight against the world wide virus: Target, Walmart, Walgreens and CVS.
The parking lots and areas around the store could become testing sites for those, who show symptoms of the virus.
How are other nations handling the crisis and preventing populations from becoming ill?
Italy
The country of Italy has been on nationwide lock-down for the past 7 days, where all business and organizations are closed with the exception of pharmacies and grocers.
Face masks, and gloves are worn in public but these items are hard to find in the few places that are still in operation.
Streets and roads are empty. Citizens often stand on balconies playing music in order to keep spirits high.
Lines for stores are single file leaving space between each person to avoid personal contact.
These lines are a visible example of the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines of keeping at least one meter apart from others at all times.
A recent spike of 368 deaths in 24 hours sent the death toll to 1,800 in Italy. Italy follows the who guidelines in keeping one meter apart from each other at all times. Italian citizens are also only encouraged to leave there homes for essential reasons.
Biologist Giusy Rapisarda who lives in Sicily, Italy, and is currently dealing with the countries massive Lockdown says,
“The Virus is very contagious, and some people need specific medical care, like intensive therapy, for this reason it’s important to stay home so the doctors can help everyone.”
China: Ground Zero
China, the epicenter of the virus that’s changing the entire world is seeing a massive drop in new cases, only seeing 16 new cases in 24 hours.
In total there are 80,860 confirmed cases and 3,213 deaths. During China’s lock-down security officers checked temperatures of citizens before entering the residential complexes and subway entrances.
Technology was utilized often in restaurant and grocery stores. Workers would drop food off in order for customers to pick up in order to keep social distancing rules applied. Wearing Face mask are mandatory in before going outdoors or being around the public. In certain circumstances people were forbidden from leaving their homes.
Iran
Nearly, 14,000 people have contracted the virus in Iran and 724 people have lost their lives to the illness.
Face mask and cleaning supplies are utilized but like in most places, hard to find. Last week, the officials released 70,000 prisoners in order to protect their population.
The government has had a slower than usual response to closing society and has decided for now to rule out a general quarantine. The government points to U.S sanctions as making it difficult to get medical supplies to stop the virus. Foreign Minister Javad Zarif stated in a tweet:
“[Donald Trump] is maliciously tightening US’ illegal sanctions with aim of draining Iran’s resources needed in the fight against #COVID19—while our citizens are dying from it.”
Iranian health officials are concerned that an increase of numbers could lead to health facilities being overwhelmed by patients. Three Senior government officials have died as well. As of today, the borders
of Iran remain open.
Brazil
Brazil is the hardest hit south American country with 203 cases and no reported deaths. Even senior level cabinet members were exposed to COVID-19.
Fabio Wajngarten, the press secretary for Brazil, tested positive for coronavirus. Wajngarten had interacted with with President Trump and Vice President Mike Pence before testing positive.
The president of Brazil tested negative for the virus and his cabinet is being monitored for symptoms.
As for the nations response: schools, business and public gathers have closed. The border between Brazil and Venezuela will be shut on Saturday along with flights from Europe, Eastern countries, and surrounding South American countries.
Face masks are worn but factories aren’t able produce enough in order to keep up with demand.
There are now 174, 602 world wide Coronavirus cases and 6,685 deaths.
Collectively, governments are warning nations around the world to maintain social distancing and practice common sense hygiene in
order to slow the global spread of the virus. The world is now brought together by a common goal to save lives and to keep people safe.