Infectious Diseases Society Speaks Out Strongly Against Reopening U.S. Economy and Activity

The leading nationwide association of clinical and scientific professionals in the infectious diseases field has spoken out against the idea of the United States resuming full economic and social activity at this point in time. On March 24, the leaders of the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA), representing the “community of over 12,000 physicians, scientists and public health experts who specialize in infectious diseases,” issued a statement strongly criticizing President Donald Trump’s suggestion, made in the past few days, that he would lift the federal nationwide guidelines recommending the restriction of economic and social activity that the Trump administration had put in place on March 16. President Trump has said repeatedly this week that he would like the economy and society of the United States to reopen fully by Easter, which is Sunday, April 12.

In a statement posted to the association’s website, president Thomas M. File, Jr., M.D., FIDSA, MSc, stated that, “As infectious diseases and HIV specialists and other health workers confronting the mounting challenges of COVID-19 without a vaccine, proven treatment and adequate diagnostic tools, we are troubled by President Trump’s suggestions that restrictions on gathering and travel may be lifted soon, or before an arbitrary date. Easing social distancing measures while significant COVID-19 transmission continues will lead to faster spread of disease, overwhelm health care settings that continue to lack essential equipment, and result in deaths that could have been prevented,” Dr. File stated.

“Statewide efforts alone,” he continued, “will not be sufficient to control this public health crisis. A strong nationwide plan that supports and enforces social distancing — and recognizes that our health and our economy are inextricably linked — should remain in place until public health and medical experts indicate it can safely be lifted.”

What’s more, Dr. File stated, “America’s infectious disease experts continue to call for the support of workers, small businesses, children and others who will require economic assistance, nutritional support, and educational resources. We urge President Trump to maintain and strengthen the public health tools at our disposal as long as they are needed to protect Americans’ health and lives. The President should only set a date for lifting nationwide social distancing restrictions when the medical evidence indicates that it is safe,” he urged. “Lifting restrictions sooner will gravely jeopardize the health of all Americans and extend the economic impacts of the pandemic.”