More than 17,000 cases of coronavirus infection in the US, strict measures in effect

(Patria) – Around 40 million residents of California have been ordered to stay home as a result of a new set of measures being taken by the US government in the fight against the pandemic.

California is one of the most affected US states and already records more than 1,000 cases of infection and around 20 deaths.

At least 17,000 cases of infection and around 200 deaths have now been reported in the US, and this number is changing at a dizzying speed.

Psychologists and psychiatrists are already reporting increasing symptoms of stress among the population, stating that almost all sessions with patients concern the coronavirus, writes Reuters, whose journalists spoke with several clinicians.

Authorities hope that the population will respect the measures and only go out in case of urgent need for medical assistance and food. Most are working from home, travel is prohibited.

The highest number of deaths is in Washington and amounts to 74. In New York, about 4,000 people are infected, and 26 have died.

New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio criticized the government for, as he says, passivity and lack of action. He claims that if President Trump does not mobilize the army, New York hospitals will run out of medical supplies in just a few weeks.

Due to the closure of small and large businesses, especially catering facilities, unemployment will rise sharply and millions will be left without income.

"The US is simply not in a position to respond to this," claims Michele Evermore, a senior analyst at the National Employment Law Project in Washington.

Taxation will be postponed to July 15.

Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, warns that strict measures must remain in place for the next few weeks:

"I don't see how this could suddenly end next week or in two weeks. I don't think there's any chance of that," Fauci told NBC.