by: NEWS 8/Nexstar Media Wire
Posted:Jul 17, 2020 / 11:41 AM EDT/Updated:Jul 17, 2020 / 11:41 AM EDT
A leaked, unpublished document prepared for the White House coronavirus task force recommends that 18 states in the coronavirus “red zone” for cases should roll back reopening measures amid surging cases.
Public health officials define the “red zone” is defined as “those core-based statistical areas (CBSAs) and counties that during the last week reported both new cases above 100 per 100,000 population and a diagnostic test positivity result above 10%.”
The Center for Public Integrity obtained a copy of the report. The CPI, a nonprofit newsroom, said the document outlines specific measures for counties in the red zone. It encourages residents to “wear a mask at all times outside the home and maintain physical distance.” It also recommends officials “close bars and gyms” and “limit social gatherings to 10 people or fewer,” which would mean rolling back reopening provisions in these places.
The CPI said the report comes amid President Donald Trump’s insistence that states reopen and as some in the administration push to send the nation’s children back to school as cases increase.
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