The COVID-19 pandemic has shown how vulnerable healthcare systems are around the world. The US has seen 100,000 deaths and the number could increase if measures are not taken to stop the spread. Anti-lock down protests have pressured state governments to reopen, when the disease had not been controlled.The elderly and people with preexisting conditions are especially vulnerable. Social distancing, the wearing of masks, and lock downs must continue to ensure preservation of public health. To prevent further economic strain universal basic income must be implemented to prevent the US population becoming financially insecure. The pandemic also is the best argument for the establishment of a universal healthcare system. Private health insurance has failed to protect the US citizen during a global health emergency. A logical solution would be to have medicare for all as an economic and public safety measure for possible pandemics in the future. These death could have been prevented if enough ventilators and masks were produced prior to the World Health Organization declaration of pandemic emergency. Opening up too soon could result in a second wave. Testing still is not widely available. If proper public health measures are not put into place,deaths may rapidly increase.
