Study: Earlier U.S. Lockdown Measures Could Have Saved 36,000 Lives

A study by Columbia University suggests that implementing social distancing measures one to two weeks earlier could have significantly reduced COVID-19 cases and deaths in the U.S. by May 3rd. The research indicates that over 700,000 cases and 36,000 deaths could have been avoided with a one-week earlier intervention, and 960,000 cases and 54,000 deaths with a two-week earlier intervention. President Trump defended his administration's response, highlighting his early travel ban from China and dismissing the study as politically motivated.

What percentage of reported infections could have been avoided if social distancing started a week earlier?

• More than 60%

• More than 70%

• More than 50%

• More than 80%

How many cases could have been prevented if measures were imposed two weeks earlier?

• 500,000 cases

• 960,000 cases

• 700,000 cases

• 1,200,000 cases

According to the study, how many deaths could have been prevented with two weeks earlier measures?

• 60,000 deaths

• 45,000 deaths

• 54,000 deaths

• 36,000 deaths

What action did President Trump highlight in his defense regarding the administration's response?

• Imposing a nationwide lockdown

• Banning travel from China

• Mandating mask-wearing

• Increasing testing capacity

How did President Trump describe the study conducted by Columbia University?

• A scientific breakthrough

• A political hit job

• An unbiased report

• A collaborative effort