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 did researchers at Columbia University conclude about the timing of social distancing measures?

• They were implemented too late

• They were effective immediately

• They had no impact

• They were unnecessary

What was the total number of deaths that could have been avoided according to the researchers?

• 36,000

• 54,000

• 700,000

• 960,000