With at least 11 deaths in the U.S. linked to Covid-19, the disease caused by the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. will lift restrictions on testing and fast-track people who fear they have the virus.
The U.S. Surgeon General urged the public to be cautious, but not afraid:
“Americans should remember we’ve experienced other disease outbreaks that we not only managed but overcame. With each occurrence we learned and strengthened our preparedness for the next. Our history with these outbreaks gives us confidence that we have the knowledge, tools and talent to address COVID-19.”
At the same time, the head of the World Health Organization said, “we are in uncharted territory,” as the number of coronavirus cases worldwide passed 90,000 this week.
In the U.S., some schools are closing temporarily to deal with the outbreak, flights have been canceled and some businesses are implementing new work policies. And, in a rare emergency meeting, the Federal Reserve cut interest rates by a half-percentage point because of the growing threat the virus poses to the economy and markets.
How bad is Covid-19 expected to get in the United States? How can you protect yourself from the disease? Who is most vulnerable? Where can you get tested? What should the government be doing to prepare for its spread? We’ll take your questions.
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