Virus still growing at epidemic level in half of US states
The risk of a second spike of coronavirus infections from lifting lockdowns too early has been highlighted by research showing the speed of its spread in US states.
Researchers at Imperial College London created a model which showed the virus may still be spreading at epidemic rates in 24 states.
Samir Bhatt, a senior lecturer in geostatistics, said: “There’s evidence that the US is not under control, as an entire country.”
Restrictions in the US are being eased, and in New York – which has been hit hard by cases – gatherings of up to 10 people are now permitted as long as people follow advice on social distancing. New York Governor Andrew Cuomo said: “You can have a safe gathering of 10 people.”
But the research model created in London shows that swathes of America are at risk of another wave of Covid-19 cases if people halt their efforts to stop it spreading. Texas heads the list of 24 states where the virus’s reproduction number – known as R – is still above one. Meanwhile President Trump yesterday drew criticism when he was photographed playing golf at his Virginia club, while America’s death toll passed 95,000.
Savannah Torres Sisneros, 16, before the start of her graduation parade at Santa Fe High School, New Mexico, last week
Face masks intended to limit the spread of coronavirus are blocking essential communications for people with hearing difficulties, experts warn.
An online survey by Scottish hearing loss consultancy Ideas For Ears has found three-quarters of respondents experienced difficulties understanding people who are wearing masks.
People with, and without, hearing loss endured muffled voices and unclear speech but, crucially, the hard of hearing were prevented from lip reading.
Social distancing also made it more difficult to hear what was being said, while video conferencing often resulted in confused communications.
Sally Shaw, director of Ideas For Ears, a social enterprise that helps businesses work better with people with hearing loss, acknowledged the need for measures to protect people in a pandemic. But she warned they could “be a burden to people, particularly those with hearing loss, as they seek to stay in touch with family and friends, use important services and navigate workplace communications”.
She said this could result in a “downward cycle of isolation and exclusion”.
Masks with transparent windows for the mouth and live subtitles on video conferencing would, she said, help, along with training for professionals.
GPS have been told by professional bodies to conduct consultations mainly by phone and, if they must do a face-to-face consultation, to wear masks. Dr Andrew Buist, chairman of BMA Scotland’s GP Committee, said: “The mask can obscure facial expressions so I understand it may be difficult for some people, however it is a necessity at this time.”