As reopening takes place, thousands get sick on the job -- Austin sees spike in cases among

[TexasTowelie]

As reopening takes place, thousands get sick on the job | Austin sees spike in cases among construction workers


NEW YORK — Even as President Donald Trump urges getting people back to work and reopening the economy, an Associated Press analysis shows thousands of people are getting sick from COVID-19 on the job.

Recent figures show a surge of infections in meatpacking and poultry-processing plants. There's been a spike of new cases among construction workers in Austin, Texas, where that sector recently returned to work. Even the White House has proven vulnerable, with positive coronavirus tests for one of Trump's valets and for Vice President Mike Pence's press secretary.

The developments underscore the high stakes for communities nationwide as they gradually loosen restrictions on business.

"The people who are getting sick right now are generally people who are working," Dr. Mark Escott, a regional health official, told Austin's city council. "That risk is going to increase the more people are working."

Read more: https://www.texarkanagazette.com/news/national/story/2020/may/13/reopening-takes-place-thousands-get-sick-job-austin-sees-spike-cases-among-construction-workers/827281/

[SheltieLover]

1. K&R!

[agingdem]

2. My grandkids are going back to Austin on Friday...

my granddaughter "graduated" and will be returning to Atlanta to attend law school...my grandson is going to summer school online and to drink...and I'm more terrified bc of the virus than I am of my grandson's liver

[intheflow]

3. We need to tweak this narrative:

"'The people who are getting sick right now are generally people who are working... That risk is going to increase the more people are working.'"

Actually, the risk increases the more people are forced to work -- or become destitute. Most people don't want to go back, they have to.

[sheshe2]

4. K&R