Data Stress the Urgency for Healthy Reopenings

Data that came out last week illustrated three developments that underscore the need for the U.S. to resume healthy reopenings: worrisome Covid-19 infections, hospitalizations and deaths in a growing number of states; the clear and present risk of significant recurring damage to the economy; and the considerable upside of reversing both trends quickly. What is desirable is also feasible, although the window to avoid even more significant short and longer-term damage could well be closing in the absence of quick government relief and reform measures and — critically — changes in behavior by citizens.

With some states setting records for the number of daily deaths, a growing number of Americans are losing their lives to a virus that continues to spread nationally. Moreover, the data show that families from the most disadvantaged segments of the population, already facing precarious income situations or vulnerability to social injustices or both, are accounting for an ever growing portion of the pain and suffering. And with the virus still on the move geographically, impacting some states that were relatively spared until now and others that had impressively overcome an initial wave, there is increasing doubt as to the ability to effectively insulate and protect the least affected parts of the country.