US Health Secretary: "It's Not a Battle Between Health and Economy"

Supporting the Resumption of Economic Activities

Alex Azar, U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services [Photo by Reuters]

[Asia Economy New York=Correspondent Baek Jong-min] Alex Azar, U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services, argued that there has not been a surge in COVID-19 patients in regions reopening their economies, stating that this issue is not a battle between health and the economy.

On the 17th (local time), Secretary Azar continued to support the reopening of economic activities during a series of broadcast interviews.

In an interview with CNN, he said, "We have not yet seen a surge in patients in areas that are reopening," adding, "In fact, we are seeing surges in some areas that remain closed."

In an interview with CBS, Secretary Azar said, "It is still the early stage of reopening," and noted that it will take time for data to emerge from states like Georgia and Florida, which reopened early.

Secretary Azar's remarks counter reports by U.S. media that COVID-19 cases have increased in some states such as South Dakota, Arkansas, and Texas following economic reopening.

He emphasized that reopening economic activities is not merely an economic issue but is directly related to health as well.

He stated, "There is no single prescription that fits all situations for reopening, but we must reopen," stressing, "Because this is not a 'health versus economy' issue, but in fact a 'health versus health' issue."

Secretary Azar cited examples such as increased suicide rates, postponed heart disease surgeries, and decreased pediatric vaccinations as serious health problems that could result from continued lockdowns.

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