MYNORTHWEST NEWS

Bill Gates: Complete US shutdown is only way to beat coronavirus

Mar 27, 2020, 9:12 AM | Updated: Oct 8, 2024, 7:16 am

Bill Gates, coronavirus...

Bill Gates. (Getty Images)

(Getty Images)

Bill Gates is sounding the alarm, saying a full country shutdown like we have seen in India, China, and Ital, is the only way to beat the coronavirus.

Bill Gates estimates at least 6-10 weeks before coronavirus is quelled

Gates did not mince words this week, telling CNN that a complete shutdown is the only way to get ahead of this virus.

“We’re entering into a tough period,” he said. “If we do it right, we’ll only have to do it once for six to 10 weeks, but it has to be the whole country.”

Gates also said there is no way the restrictions can be lifted by President Trump’s Easter deadline on April 12.

He went on to note that there hasn’t been enough testing yet to really know where we are as a country, making a unified testing program and shutdown is really the only way to beat this.

State Superintendent says school closures likely to fall and beyond

“And having states go at different things or thinking you can go at it county by county, that will not work,” Gates said. “The cases will be exponentially growing anywhere you don’t have a serious shutdown.”

Gates acknowledged the economic hardship that will come with a six to 10 week shutdown, but he said it’s better than having a series of shutdowns, rocking the economy over and over.

The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation is looking to provide at least a little relief in that department, as it continues to work on developing in-home testing kits.

MyNorthwest News

seattle man arrest...

James Lynch

Online sting leads to arrest of Seattle man as law enforcement ramps up predator crackdown

The Kitsap County Sheriff’s Office (KCSO) said an online undercover operation has led to the arrest of a 29-year-old Seattle man.

41 minutes ago

Hood Canal Bridge (1)...

MyNorthwest Staff

Stalled semitruck blocks Hood Canal Bridge, 5-mile backups

A stalled semitruck is blocking the entrance to the Hood Canal Bridge.

1 hour ago

Old Trails Fire...

MyNorthwest Staff

Arson suspect admits to planning Old Trails Fire, setting 25 other fires since July 2025

The man arrested for arson in connection with the Old Trails Fire in Spokane told detectives he planned to start the fire.

2 hours ago

Kitchen & Market...

Julia Dallas

Kitchen & Market expanding to Seattle neighborhood in 2027

Kitchen & Market, which touts itself as being "way more than a grocery store," is expanding in Seattle.

2 hours ago

Spokane fires (1)...

Brooke Griffin, KIRO 7 News

Spokane community helping each other and emergency responders during devastation

As three wildfires continue to burn across Spokane County Thursday morning, the community is coming together to help first responders.

3 hours ago

snohomish softball little league...

MyNorthwest Staff

Snohomish moves on to Little League Softball World Series quarterfinal with 9-1 win over Canada

Snohomish's Little League Softball World Series team collected another win on Wednesday, beating Canada 9-1 and securing a quarterfinals appearance.

3 hours ago

Bill Gates: Complete US shutdown is only way to beat coronavirus