Senators Urge Swift Action to Address Coronavirus Surge in US States

Strategic Insights -

As the US continues to face a devastating surge in coronavirus infections and hospitalizations, a group of senators led by Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Bernie Sanders (I-VT) has called on the federal administration to take immediate action to address the crisis. The senators, including Tina Smith (D-MN), Kyrsten Sinema (D-AZ), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), and Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), expressed concerns about the rising rate of infections and hospitalization rates, which have peaked in 22 states and left 23 states with over 1,000 patients hospitalized with coronavirus infections.

Key Takeaways:

  • The letter to FEMA Administrator Peter Gaynor and Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Alex Azar urged the administration to extend current federal support to states and send additional medical professionals to states experiencing a surge in coronavirus cases and deaths.
  • The senators highlighted the unprecedented rise in coronavirus cases, with a record-breaking number of new cases reported on November 11 (over 140,000).
  • 23 states have recorded more cases in the past week than in any other seven-day period since the pandemic began.
  • Hospitalizations due to coronavirus infection peaked in 22 states on November 9, and 23 states currently have over 1,000 patients hospitalized with coronavirus infections.
  • The surge in infections and hospitalizations has put a significant strain on already exhausted health care systems and essential care workers, who are not immune from the virus.
  • The senators appreciated the medical staffing support provided by FEMA and HHS but emphasized that more support is needed to address pressing medical staffing shortages.

Statistics:

  • Over 140,000 new cases were reported on November 11, breaking a record for new cases in a single day.
  • 23 states have recorded more cases in the past seven days than in any other seven-day period since the pandemic began.
  • 22 states experienced a peak in hospitalizations due to coronavirus infection on November 9.
  • 23 states currently have over 1,000 patients hospitalized with coronavirus infections.
  • At least 140,000 new cases were reported on November 11, with 23 states experiencing a surge in cases and deaths.

Sources:

  • [Letter to FEMA Administrator Peter Gaynor and Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Alex Azar, signed by Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Tina Smith (D-MN), and others]
  • [Press release from the Office of Senator Tina Smith, citing a letter to FEMA Administrator Peter Gaynor and Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Alex Azar]