This archive report was first published on 13 May 2020.
US Virus Expert Warns of Dangers as Countries Reopen ¶
May 13, 2020 - As the global death toll from the coronavirus pandemic approaches 300,000, the United States' top infectious diseases official has warned that ending lockdowns too quickly could trigger new outbreaks.
Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, made the warning as much of the United States and Europe press ahead with easing curbs that have confined billions to their homes to stem the spread of the disease.
Opening up continues despite the toll spiking in some of the world's most populated countries, with Brazil, Russia, and the US all reporting bad news.
Fauci told Congress that a run of 14 days with a drop in cases was a vital first step before lifting lockdowns.
'If a community or a state or region doesn't go by those guidelines and reopens... the consequences could be really serious,' he said.
'There is a real risk that you will trigger an outbreak that you may not be able to control.'
The expert's cautionary message stands at odds with rhetoric from President Donald Trump, who has pressed for rapid steps to rekindle the devastated US economy before a November election.
Trump has sought to shift focus onto the role of China, where the virus first emerged in December.
Republican allies in the Senate on Tuesday proposed legislation that would empower the president to impose sanctions on Beijing if it does not give a 'full accounting' for the outbreak.
'The Chinese Communist Party must be held accountable for the detrimental role they played in this pandemic,' said Senator Jim Inhofe.
Meanwhile, the lifting of lockdowns gathered pace across Europe on Tuesday, with France beginning to reopen primary schools and nurseries.
Teachers wore face masks and desks were separated as children filed back into classrooms.
India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced a $270 billion economic stimulus as the Asian giant's economy lumbers back to life after a prolonged shutdown.
Its giant railway network also restarted, despite a recent surge in infections, with 3,600 recorded on Monday.
But there were stories of hope amid the gloom. A 113-year-old woman, believed to be the oldest person living in Spain, was reported to have beaten the coronavirus at a retirement home where several other residents died from the disease.
