Covid-19 Approaches in the U.S and U.K

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Nov 24, 2024

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Running head: COVID-19 APPROACHES IN THE U.S AND U.K 1 Covid-19 Approaches in the U.S and U.K Student’s Name Miami Dade College November 29, 2020

COVID-19 APPROACHES IN THE U.S AND U.K 2 Covid-19 Approaches in the U.S and U.K Introduction The United States, just like any country in the world, has adopted a wide range of measures to help suppress the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic. Even though the measures do not seem to yield significant results, as evidenced by a high number of infections each day, at least something is being done by the federal government and the states. However, several countries in the world have been successful in containing the spread and rise of infections, what is generally called “flattening the curve.” This paper seeks to examine the Covid-19 national approaches in the United States, and compare them to those being utilized in the United Kingdom. Similarities The unprecedented nature of the virus has forced the two countries and many others to shift their approaches and make significant policy changes. The focus now in both countries is suppression of the virus, rather than mitigation. Suppression involves four interventions, including social distancing for all population groups, isolation of cases that are confirmed to be positive, quarantine of households that came into close contact with a positive case, and lastly, closure of universities and learning institutions (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2020). Besides, both governments encourage handwashing with water and soap and the wearing of face masks correctly, while at the same time discouraging gatherings in groups of more than 10 people, discretional travels, and eating or drinking in bars, restaurants, and any public food points. The U.K and most U.S states have closed restaurants, theatres, and casinos to help prevent the spread of infections. The two countries also encourage its citizens to work from home as much as possible.

COVID-19 APPROACHES IN THE U.S AND U.K 3 From the similarities highlighted above, it is evident that one approach is not sufficient to contain the spread of infections. There is need for multiple interventions to be combined for there to be any substantial on transmission (CDC, 2020). Coincidentally, the relaxation of any of these measures results in an immediate rise of daily cases. This has been experienced in numerous countries, and recently in the U.S. The 2020 U.S presidential elections exposed many Americans to the virus. It was not uncommon to see thousands and thousands of supporters going for rallies, without keeping social distancing or wearing masks. Differences Comparing the Covid-10 approaches in the two countries is not easy because of the government structures in place. The U.K has a centralized system where decisions and policies are made from one place. In the U.S, however, each state makes crucial decisions regarding COvid-19 prevention. While many states have issued stay-at home orders, there are those that are yet to issue any restrictions. Those that have not issued any form of lockdown include Iowa, Wyoming, Nebraska, Arkansas, North and South Dakota. While the U. K’s prime minister has taken personal responsibility the way his country responded to the pandemic, the president of the United States has continuously denied any executive office responsibility’s response to the pandemic. The two countries contrast sharply when it comes to containment measures. The two countries have over the course of the pandemic enforced lockdowns of varying degrees. While the U. S government restricted the entry of people from hotspot countries into the country and enforced curfews and other forms of restrictions, the U. K adopted stricter approaches. The U. K government issued stay-at home orders as well as total lockdowns to parts of the country with high infection rates (GOV.UK, 2020). Presently, there is a 4-week lockdown in the U. K.

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COVID-19 APPROACHES IN THE U.S AND U.K 4 It is also mandatory for all people to wear masks in all U.K shops and supermarkets. This is not the case with the U.S. The other difference is associated with enforcing the laid down strategies in the two nations. Unlike the U. K, the U. S is not keen on enforcing simple practices such as keeping social distance, wearing masks, and avoiding social gatherings. Personal Assessment I do not think the American government is doing enough to suppress the spread of Covid- 19 infections. The recent electioneering period demonstrated an “I don’t care” attitude both by politicians and millions of their supporters. In fact, the U.K and many countries of the world are doing much better. It is no surprise that their curves have flattened, or are flattening while the daily cases continue to rise in the U.S. Despite having more cases and mortalities, more people are not keeping social distancing or avoiding unnecessary visits. Neither are they wearing masks in public places. It is imperative for all people, whether Americans or Britons, to adhere to all Covid-19 containment measures until a time when the vaccine will be found and used to prevent or manage cases. Recommendations for the President’s Task Force Covid-19 mitigation strategies have been observed to work in other countries, and they can work for the U. S. the President’s task force needs to enhance the enforcement of the existing laws. I would recommend the following: 1. A cessation of movement order that will prevent people moving in and out of the states 2. Ban social gatherings-weddings, funerals, parties etc. 3. Complete closure of schools and colleges in affected states 4. Drastic improvement of hygiene in the workplace, transport sectors 5. Partial lockdowns of states if that is the only option

COVID-19 APPROACHES IN THE U.S AND U.K 5 References CDC, (2020). Communities, Schools, Workplaces, & Events . Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved 30 November 2020, from https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019- ncov/community/community-mitigation.html . Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, (2020). Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) . Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved 30 November 2020, from https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/non-us-settings/overview/index.html . GOV.UK. (2020). COVID-19: infection prevention and control (IPC) . Retrieved 30 November 2020, from https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/wuhan-novel-coronavirus- infection-prevention-and-control .

Covid-19 Approaches in the U.S and U.K

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