Five years after the initial outbreak of COVID-19, a new book delves into the intersection of American science and politics, highlighting key statistics. The book notes that the U.S. had one of the highest death rates from the virus, with over 1.1 million deaths attributed to COVID-19. It also discusses the significant economic impact, with GDP dropping by 3.5% in 2020. Public trust in science saw a notable shift; initially, 87% of Americans trusted scientists, but this figure dropped to 73% by the end of 2021. The book also examines the political divide, with 62% of Democrats versus 39% of Republicans expressing confidence in scientists by late 2021. These statistics underscore the complex relationship between science, public health, and political polarization in the U.S. during the crisis.
Source: www.realclearpolitics.com
