COVID-19 Infection Rate Has Increased In The US

When states reopened the infection rate increased. The trend seems to be occurring in the south and mid-west. The reason for this has to do with limited social distancing and refusal to wear masks. There is a political motivation. The pandemic response has become so polarized that the government cannot develop a coherent response. Anti-lockdown protests were done not in response to economic strain, rather instigated by right-wing political organizations. The conservative rejection of science has put public health in a state of crisis. The failure of the Republican and Democratic Party to establish a system of universal basic income to halt the economic consequences has only caused more hardship on the American citizen. There are fears of second wave emerging and if nothing is done it could be more devastating than the first wave of cases. An estimated 100,000 Americans have died due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The deaths could have been prevented if enough masks and ventilators were available. The healthcare system of the United States is on the verge of possible collapse and the pandemic exposed its vulnerabilities. If there are too many hospitalizations, the system will be overwhelmed. The Trump administration's refusal to take the pandemic seriously put the public at risk. The media also assisted in downplaying the dangers of COVID-19. Fox News insisted that it was nothing more than nervous panic in the first months of 2020. States may now have to think about closing again seeing as the proper measures were not taken before reopening.  What people must understand is just because the economy is reopening it does not mean the pandemic is over. The basic rules for safety still apply. Stay home if you are sick, wash your hands, wear a mask, and practice social distancing. 

Greg Glassman's George Floyd Comments and CrossFit

Greg Glassman has resigned as CEO of CrossFit after racially charged comments regarding the murder of George Floyd. Racism and prejudice are so pervasive in society, that even a sporting activity can to be free from it. The comments were expressed during a call with gym owners. Many were asking why a statement was not made about the murder, which has sparked large demonstrations around the USA. Police violence and racial profiling have become more vicious over the past decades in American law enforcement. Glassman stated " why should I mourn him?" when speaking with affiliate gym owners. He further claimed that Floyd 's murder was not about race and that it was a cover-up to hide money laundering. This is nothing more than an unproven conspiracy theory. Reading these comments it seems obvious what side of the political spectrum Greg Glassman is on. Other companies make statements, however they seem hollow if they are not devoted to improving human resources or diversifying their workforce. Politics has unfortunately spilled into every area of life, so avoiding controversial topics is inevitable. Gyms have been dropping CrossFit affiliations since his tweets and Glassman denies that he hold racist sentiment.His criticism of Black Lives Matter and George Floyd are not the only racially charged statements he made. Greg Glassman also said that COVID-19 was created in a Wuhan lab. The racist conspiracy theory was been expressed by President Donald Trump. More fall out from his tweets has occurred with gyms ending partnerships. CrossFit may see financial struggles due to its former CEO's racial bias.  

Wear A Mask To Protect Health

Some countries may decide to reopen to save their economies. Doing this puts public health at risk. There needs to be a clear indication that the COVID-19 pandemic has subsided. Testing and ventilators must be widely available before all public accommodations are back on a normal schedule. There is risk even when there is partial reopening. Wearing a mask does not only protect yourself it prevents others from being infected. It is known that the elderly and people with respiratory conditions are at risk, but some children can be vulnerable too. There are indications that COVID-19 may possibly induce kawasaki disease in some children. A mask can prevent pathogens from being released to another person. The only way lockdowns will end is when medicines become available and infection rates are reduced. Following social distancing, practicing basic hygiene, and wearing a mask in public will ensure lockdowns will come to an end. Protests against measures are only stopping progress. Long term solutions should include universal healthcare, the construction of more hospitals, and pandemic emergency programs.