The United States may see a new surge in COVID-19 cases due to easing restrictions and a recent plateau in the number of cases, CNN reports.
Emergency physician, dr. Leana Wen, told CNN a COVID-19 surge appears to be likely because the recent slump in the case that the numbers stopped falling – and the numbers flattened.
- “I think we’re going to see an increase in the number of infections,” Wen told CNN.
Wen said the high number of vaccinations could help matters, however.
- ‘However, I think what helps this time is that the most vulnerable – especially old age homes, older people – are now being vaccinated. “And so we can prevent an increase in hospitalizations and deaths,” she told CNN.
Is this what happened to Europe?
There are some questions about whether the US will suffer the same fate as Europe, which has seen a dip in cases and then a plateau before a boom.
Dr Anthony Fauci recently said that Europe has seen a plateau in cases, leading to an increase in the world, as I wrote for Deseret News.
- ‘If you see a plateau at as high as 60,000 cases a day, it’s a very vulnerable time to have a boom, to go up again. That is exactly what happened in Europe, “Fauci was quoted as saying by CNN.
However, Europe may not be a complete guide to what can happen in the US. Dr Scott Gottlieb told CNBC the US could overtake Europe in terms of vaccination.
- “I do not think the conditions in Europe and the situation in Europe are necessarily more predictive of what is going to happen here, because we have much more immunity in our population against both previous infections – which they also have – but also now against vaccinations,” he said.
What is the current state of coronavirus in the United States?
Per Axios, the impact of the coronavirus remains constant as the explosion of the vaccine continues. Returning to normal now seems quite possible with the increased vaccinations. But if you still follow the guidelines for public health – wearing a mask, washing your hands and taking a social distance – it will make the return to normal much easier.
- “If you tighten the spread in the meantime, you can reduce the threat that the variant of the virus contains, which is likely to circulate for years, which could cause a new flare-up and in some cases require an increased shot for vaccine,” according to Axios . “But as long as Americans continue to be vaccinated in large numbers, the end of the pandemic, as we have seen over the past year, is well within reach.”