Originally Posted by
ReturningVector
It is for the same reason Italy went in lockdown when the virus was already wreaking havoc: To spread the number of sick people over a longer time.
That way you will have a less intense ‘peak’ that puts a burden on the medical infrastructure.
It is not so stupid as you might think, it is the way to go according to experts. You will not stop the virus, most people will get sick, but spreading it over a longer time helps in relieving the pressure on your hospitals and clinics somewhat.
It would make sense if it was part of a consistent strategy of minimising travel generally both within the US and from all countries with a substantial infection rate outside the US. As it stands it makes no sense at all. The best indicator of what is really happening is to look at national deaths as they are less likely to be influenced by the prevelance and effectiveness of testing. The US has on this measure has one of the higher incidences already and most but not all european countries have a lower incidence. It makes no sense at all to exclude the UK. This is all about politics and creating the appearance of action rather than public health.
Trump being Trump he use sthe opportunity to attack those he feels offended by at the same time.