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Wave Researchers warn that the U.S. needs to get ahead of the curve before a possible second wave of COVID-19 infections hit. By André Hereford
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HILE POLITICIANS AND THE PUBLIC DEBATE when, where, and how our communities should relax social distancing and “liberate” the economy, the coronavirus itself marches on unfazed by tweets or demonstrations. The U.S. continues to lead the world in new cases of infections, and the death toll from COVID-19 keeps rising at a rate of more than 1,000 Americans per day. Lockdowns are helping to limit the spread of the virus, but COVID cases are surging in states from Maryland and Pennsylvania to Iowa and Wisconsin. Even as tension mounts among a populace growing restless sheltering in place, leading scientists and clinicians like Dr. Thomas J. Hope, of 24
APRIL 23, 2020 • METROWEEKLY.COM
Northwestern University’s Hope Laboratory in Chicago, are still working to determine whether this virus is especially contagious. “Or,” as Hope ponders, “is this what any of these viruses would look like if there was no preexisting immunity?” “Regular flu can transmit this easily,” he says. “But we usually don't see it because you have either a good preexisting immunity and you never get any symptoms, or you have enough immunity that you're not starting from scratch when you respond.” Hope predicts that before all is said and done, we’ll know more about the transmissibility of this coronavirus, “but right now I don't think we can answer that question.” In search of answers, the virologist, dedicated for decades to
