Researchers say half a million infections might have been stopped if more states had suspended disconnections during pandemicBan on US water shutoffs could have prevented thousands of Covid deaths – studyA national moratorium on water shutoffs could have prevented almost half a million Covid infections and saved at least 9,000 lives, according to new research. Amid pressure from public health experts and rights groups, hundreds of utilities and states suspended disconnections for overdue bills to ensure households kept running water for hand-washing and sanitation. But many refused, others let the bans expire after a few months, and Congress refused to step in with a national moratorium. Researchers found that states which suspended disconnections significantly reduced their growth rates of Covid infections and deaths, compared to states without similar orders. Advocates are also urging Joe Biden to impose a national moratorium and make water a priority in the forthcoming infrastructure bill.

Source: The Guardian March 26, 2021 12:56 UTC