COVID-19 Pandemic in the United States

Abstract

Objectives: The paper highlights US health policy and technology responses to the COVID-19 pandemic from January 1, 2020 – June 10, 2020. Methods: A review of primary data sources in the US was conducted. The data were summarized to describe national and state-level trends in the spread of COVID-19 and in policy and technology solutions. Results: The US policy response is best characterized by its federalist, decentralized nature. The national government has led in terms of economic and fiscal response and in creating more favorable regulations for the use of telemedicine. State governments have been responsible for many of the containment, testing, and treatment responses, often with little federal government support. Conclusions: While all US states have begun to “re-open” economic activities, this trend appears to be largely driven by social tensions and economic motivations than an ability to effectively test and surveil populations.