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April

Media sources start to craft narratives about COVID-19 through the lens of identity politics, a practice that will continue throughout the pandemic. Topics include discussion around “health disparities” in gender and race, and perceived anti-Asian racism due to the virus’ origin in China.

The effectiveness of masks to prevent the spread of transmission are a matter of continuing debate, although the media solidifies a pro-mask stance this month. On April 3, the CDC recommends people wear cloth masks when they go out. By the middle of the month about half of Americans are wearing masks.

Fauci:

  • Advocates for a national stay-at-home order;
  • Suggests “immunity cards” for Americans are being “discussed;”
  • Advises Americans to stop shaking hands;
  • Advises schools to stay closed, or else the virus will spread
  • Says re-opening by May 1 is “overly optimistic”

Animosity grows between President Trump and Fauci, although Trump states he will not fire him. In general, “public health experts” with supposedly “science-based” restrictive policy recommendations are set as foils against those who criticize such measures in news reports.

While some states and local governments are issuing stay-at-home orders, some institutions, such as churches, come under fire for having in-person meetings. Sweden stands out as a country taking a more lax response to COVID restrictions, and is harshly criticized by most media outlets.

There are multiple protests against masking and stay-at-home orders this month, including a 2,500 protest in D.C. These protests are castigated in the media.

Reports also lament expected increases in spousal, child, and animal abuse as society locks down.

President Trump advocates for the use of hydroxychloroquine to treat COVID-19 symptoms, and receives huge pushback and mockery in the press.

While some media reports claim there is a ventilator shortage, others suggest ventilators may be doing more harm than good for COVID-19 patients.

Big Tech companies like Apple and Google innovate contact-tracing technologies, Facebook works to squash “misinformation” on its platforms.

U.S. begins studying if COVID-19 began in a lab, rather than in a Chinese wet market. Fauci publicly opposes the lab leak theory.

Articles abound concerning COVID-19 in jails and immigration detention centers, with the implication that those detained should be released to protect their health.

Vaccine trials begin on volunteers.

Key Dates and Stories:

  • April 1: Colleges Go Test-Optional After SAT, ACT are Called Off
  • April 3: CDC Now Recommends Americans Consider Wearing Cloth Face Coverings In Public
  • April 8: Trump’s Aggressive Advocacy of Malaria Drug for Treating Coronavirus Divides Medical Community
  • April 9: Fauci: Recovered coronavirus patients will likely be immune if second wave hits in fall
  • April 10: Fauci: Coronavirus immunity cards for Americans are ‘being discussed’, Politico
  • April 13: The case for ending the Covid-19 pandemic with mass testing, Vox
  • April 13: The first coronavirus stimulus checks were deposited this week—here’s when you can expect yours
  • April 23: Pandemic potentially a 'death sentence' for many prison inmates, experts warn, The Guardian
  • April 25: The whiteness of anti-lockdown protests, Vox
  • April 30: Trump threatens new tariffs on China in retaliation for coronavirus
  • April 30: Fauci Says It's 'Doable' To Have Millions Of Doses Of COVID-19 Vaccine By January

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