FACING CRITICISM

The Story

Some countries are in the hot seat for their response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

How so?

Yesterday, the UN Secretary-General called the pandemic “the greatest test” humanity has faced since World War II. And called for all nations to help with an “immediate coordinated health response” to combat the virus. But as the number of coronavirus infections keeps growing worldwide, some governments have taken their own approach – which hasn’t always been welcome. Here’s how some have dealt with the outbreak so far:

The US…as in, President Trump’s gotten criticism for the federal gov’s early testing issues, as well as seeming to downplay the threat of the virus when it first reached the country. He later came to terms with the crisis and has extended coronavirus restrictions through April. Trump said he’s discussed issuing a national stay-at-home order but called it “unlikely” for now. That’s as outbreaks vary by state, and governors have the legal authority to issue stay-at-home orders. But as the number of confirmed infections continues to increase, the US is seeing hundreds of Americans die each day. And the federal gov is scrambling to keep up with containment and treatment efforts.

China…as in, a US intelligence report accuses China of underreporting its infections and deaths. The country has reported fewer infections since its peak in February. But the report indicates that the real number of infections could be higher as the Chinese gov has apparently changed the way it’s counting cases. And has excluded people without symptoms from its infection rate.

Brazil…as in earlier this week, President Jair Bolsonaro said the country cannot quarantine any longer because it’s destroying jobs. And told his supporters “we’re all going to die one day.” The country’s reporting over 5,700 infections and more than 200 deaths – the largest known outbreak in Latin America. And some have been calling for Bolsonaro to resign.

theSkimm

As the number of global infections for the coronavirus nears 1 million, some countries seem to be taking this more seriously than others. Meanwhile, the World Health Organization said it is “deeply concerned” with the virus’s rapid spread and is urging countries to continue making an effort to combat the virus.

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