Bill Gates: "US Must Implement Nationwide Lockdown to Stop COVID-19 Spread"

Microsoft founder Bill Gates / Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Intern Reporter Lim Juhyung] Microsoft founder Bill Gates has argued that a nationwide lockdown policy should be implemented across the United States to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).

On the 1st (local time), Gates proposed three measures to curb the spread of COVID-19 in the U.S. in a column titled "How to Make Up for Lost Time Due to COVID-19," published in the American media outlet The Washington Post.

He stated, "Despite calls from public health experts, some U.S. states and counties still have facilities such as beaches and restaurants operating," adding, "Because people freely travel across state borders, the virus can do the same. No one should work as usual or ease lockdowns until confirmed COVID-19 cases decrease in the U.S., whether it takes 10 weeks or longer."

As a second measure, Gates said, "Testing capacity should be increased and testing should be conducted selectively." He explained, "To be confident about when society can return to normal, far more tests must be conducted and results aggregated than currently. However, for the time being, demand for tests will exceed supply, so clear priorities must be set regarding who gets tested first."

He argued that those at high risk of exposure to the virus, such as medical staff and emergency medical workers, should be given priority for testing.

Finally, he emphasized, "A data-driven approach is necessary for the development of treatments and vaccines," adding, "Especially while scientists are working as quickly as possible on treatments and vaccine development, leaders should not spread rumors or encourage hoarding."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.