06-17-2020, 11:24 AM
Well, right now we are our own worst enemy, in terms of spread. It doesn't make a difference if infected patients are coming from Brazil or anywhere else when there is so much community transmission in the US. It's like peeing in the ocean. If (and it is a big if) we are able to get the number of infections under control down to tens to hundreds per day, then we will have to worry about importing cases. Right now, I think based on normal trade patterns, Mexico is the country to worry about. They have about 4000 new cases daily (likely underreported, and rising rapidly), and they are one of the US' biggest trading partners. Under normal times, the US/Mexico border is one of the most transited in the world.
As an aside... New Zealand reported its first two cases after having zero for the last 21 days and having almost eradicated the virus.
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/...ne-blunder
I think it shows that complete eradication is a Sisyphean task. The best most countries can do is control the infection to reduce the number of deaths and prevent hospitals from becoming overwhelmed.
BC
As an aside... New Zealand reported its first two cases after having zero for the last 21 days and having almost eradicated the virus.
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/...ne-blunder
I think it shows that complete eradication is a Sisyphean task. The best most countries can do is control the infection to reduce the number of deaths and prevent hospitals from becoming overwhelmed.
BC