The risk of a second spike of coronavirus infections from lifting lockdowns too early has been highlighted by research showing the speed of its spread in US states.
Researchers at Imperial College London created a model which showed the virus may still be spreading at epidemic rates in 24 states.
Samir Bhatt, a senior lecturer in geostatistics, said: “There’s evidence that the US is not under control, as an entire country.”
Restrictions in the US are being eased, and in New York – which has been hit hard by cases – gatherings of up to 10 people are now permitted as long as people follow advice on social distancing.
New York Governor Andrew Cuomo said: “You can have a safe gathering of 10 people.”
But the research model created in London shows that swathes of America are at risk of another wave of Covid-19 cases if people halt their efforts to stop it spreading.
Texas heads the list of 24 states where the virus’s reproduction number – known as R – is still above one.
Meanwhile President Trump yesterday drew criticism when he was photographed playing golf at his Virginia club, while America’s death toll passed 95,000.
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