test Lockdowns Debate - Munk Debates

Lockdowns Debate

August 12, 2020
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Lockdowns Debate

Be it resolved, the reintroduction of shutdowns needs to be considered in U.S. states where COVID-19 infections are surging.

Over five million cases. More than 160,000 deaths, and counting. The U.S. currently leads the global tally for the highest number of COVID-19 cases. California, an early success story, has had to aggressively rollback the reopening of schools and business. Louisiana, Idaho, Texas, and Nevada are among dozens of states experiencing surging case counts, rising hospitalizations and increased deaths. Meanwhile some countries, originally devasted by the coronavirus, are reopening successfully, after driving new infections down to manageable levels. When public health policies, such as physical distancing, hand washing, masks, and increased testing, can’t bend the curve in new infections, some say the only way to prevent tens of thousands of more deaths is a second wave of shutdowns targeting the hardest hit areas. Critics say with shutdowns, the supposed “cure”, is worse than the disease. Millions will be denied essential medical treatment, including mental health. Jobs and businesses will be permanently lost. And, closed schools will prevent a much-needed return to normalcy for children and parents alike. Shutdowns are not the answer to the ongoing threat of COVID-19.

“The pandemic is boiling over in many locations in the United States and the most effective way to turn down the heat is to go into another shutdown.”

– Andrew Noymer 

“A shutdown is a medieval measure. It’s the equivalent of cutting your arm because of some joint pain in your hand.”

– Dr. John Ionnidis

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