Page 14 - ISQ October 2020

INVESTMENT STRATEGY QUARTERLY APRIL 2020

COVID-19 360°: An Update

Chris Meekins, Director, Healthcare Policy Analyst, Equity Research

COVID-19 has wreaked havoc on both physical and
economic health in the US. For those who have lost We have seen notable improvements in the
loved ones, the pain is very personal and real. Many of fatality rate from the virus as time has passed.
those individuals may feel as though government
leaders have failed them. For those who have lost jobs
as a result of the shut-downs and those who are strug- CONDITIONS IMPROVING, HOWEVER, CRISIS
gling to pay for a roof over their heads or food for their REMAINS
With over seven point five million identified cases, over 200,000
families, the pain is very personal and real as well.
identified deaths, and likely many more asymptomatic or other-
Unlike many prior crises, the nation has not become wise undocumented cases, we have shown a capacity to flatten
unified in combating this crisis. Politicians have taken the curve as a country. We have also seen what can happen when
very different approaches and we are seeing views on mitigation measures are ignored, with the secondary outbreaks
in places like Arizona, Florida, and Texas that are just now getting
how to combat the virus fall along party lines. These
back under control. The reality remains that as mitigation meas-
divisions will likely continue to hinder our ability as a ures are loosened – when people stop wearing masks and start
nation to most effectively combat this crisis. congregating in large gatherings – we will likely continue to see
surges in cases in different states and regions until we reach herd
immunity through infection or a vaccine. Public health leaders
will have to continue to play ‘Whack-a-Mole’ as new hot spots
“ emerge.
As individuals return to school,
work, and other activities this fall, We have seen notable improvements in the fatality rate from
the race for a vaccine becomes the virus as time has passed. This is likely a result of doing a
better job protecting those most vulnerable (such as those in
particularly important. ” nursing homes) and improvements in care protocols for those
who are hospitalised. As time passes with every disease,
improvements occur in the way individuals are treated as
great scientific understanding is achieved. Some treatments,

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