US Civil unrest leads to closing some coronavirus testing sites, intensifying fears of an outbreak

By Amwal Al Ghad English On Jun 4, 2020

Vandalism and civil unrest have forced at least 70 coronavirus testing sites across the United States to close, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Most were located in private pharmacies in what are deemed “socially vulnerable” neighborhoods, intensifying health officials’ fears that demonstrations against police violence could become a breeding ground for the coronavirus.

The closures may make it harder for authorities to identify outbreaks stemming from the protests, public health experts warn.

“We shouldn’t feel comforted if we don’t see an uptick,” Leana S. Wen, Baltimore’s former health commissioner, told The Washington Post. “There may be a reason why the numbers aren’t being captured.”