Social distancing may be here to stay
LOS ANGELES - Some experts in California believe data shows the state is getting closer to flattening the curve, but flattening the curve could mean social distancing for months longer.
In his daily press briefing, Mayor Eric Garcetti said Los Angeles is not in the clear.
"We still know we have some weeks before we can even contemplate having this order lifted," said Garcetti.
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Experts like Anne Rimoin agree. Rimoin is a Professor of Epidemiology at the UCLA Fielding School of Public Health, and an expert in emerging infectious diseases, Ebola virus, zoonoses, immunization and infectious disease epidemiology.
"There's a lot of work that still needs to be done, and that work includes rolling out widespread testing," said Rimoin.
California appears to be close to flattening the curve as the spread of cases starts to slow down.
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"I think that what we're seeing here in California is all of the incredible hard work and sacrifices that we've made paying off," said Rimoin.
However, Rimoin believes it's important to keep practicing things like hand washing, wearing a mask and social distancing. Flattening the curve also means social distancing longer than anticipated.
"What we need to do now is double down and make sure that we really can reap all of the benefits of the sacrifices we've made so far," said Rimoin.
Some experts in California believe people won't be able to participate in large gatherings until the fall. Rimoin believes it's too early to know for certain.
"The fall sounds like and seems plausible, but we'll know more in the coming weeks. This is a novel coronavirus and that means it's a new virus. It's new to humanity. We haven't seen it before and we're still learning a lot about it, and I think over the next weeks and months, we'll know a lot more about it," said Rimoin.
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Mayor Garcetti believes rushing to normalize could have dangerous consequences.
"The idea that we will suddenly emerge, I don't want that to happen if it means a second wave of deaths," said Garcetti.
Dr. Anthony Fauci, the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, stated it's unlikely the coronavirus will ever be eradicated.