OPINION

Let’s not repeat Memorial Day

Remember Memorial Day? There was a sense of optimism that the worst of the corona-virus pandemic was behind us. Most states had declining numbers of infections, and nearly all had announced plans for reopening. After being cooped up for weeks, people were eager to see one another and visit newly reopened bars and restaurants.

Now we are seeing the consequences of rapid reopening. On Tuesday, top health officials testified before a Senate committee that 29 states are seeing increasing numbers of infections, and that 12 states have set record highs in the past week. The nation’s top infectious-disease expert, Anthony Fauci, warned: “We are now having 40-plus-thousand new cases a day. I would not be surprised we go up to 100,000 a day if this does not turn around.”

We need to make that turnaround right now. Let’s start it on the Fourth of July. Here’s how.

States with escalating infections must take urgent large-scale action. Closing bars, as some state and local officials have already mandated, is a critical first step. Officials need to restrict all indoor gatherings, including at restaurants, theaters and private parties.

Many parts of the country hit hard by the virus’s resurgence urgently need federal support. This begins with testing: There is no way communities can get their infections under control if they are so short of tests that people are waiting in line for 13 hours, as some have had to in Phoenix.

For states that are holding steady in infection rates: Be warned that it may not last. The New York City area is one place where the coronavirus appears to be under control, but the infections that ravaged the region three months ago could well take hold there again. As we are seeing, even states such as California and Oregon that reopened cautiously are now experiencing rapid spread.

What’s to be done? If they haven’t already, states that are holding steady can institute real-time surveillance mechanisms. These include regular testing in high-risk settings such as nursing homes and jails as well as random population testing, with specific focus on testing racial minorities disproportionately affected by covid-19.

It’s not too late to follow federal guidelines for reopening, which include reassessment between phases to examine the impact of removing restrictions as it progresses. Also, since people in their 20s and 30s are the drivers of this new surge, health officials should put out educational messaging that helps young people live their lives safely.

Universal mask-wearing is a no-brainer that all states, regardless of current infection level, should be mandating.

Finally, now that we know the rapid spread of the coronavirus indoors, states must be particularly cautious about monitoring these spaces. Policymakers need to consider their medium-term priorities. If it’s critical to resume in-person schooling in the fall, they may need to keep bars closed over the summer.

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Leana Wen is an emergency physician and visiting professor at George Washington University.

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