The coronavirus pandemic has taken a toll on the global economy, but in the United States it has thrown into sharp relief the depth of inequality and the sheer number of people living on the edge in the world's largest economy.
Neither the rich nor the poor have been spared in the COVID-19 outbreak, but can it be the catalyst for reforms extending new social benefits to all Americans?
The US Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has urged companies to have flexible sick leave policies and "actively encourage sick employees to stay home."
Alden said the coincidence of the pandemic with the US presidential election campaign in which the shortcomings of the social safety net and health care system are key issues being debated "make this an especially opportune moment to tackle these long-standing and poorly addressed challenges."
He also slammed Trump's handling of the coronavirus outbreak -- as did his remaining opponent, former vice president Joe Biden -- saying his "incompetence and recklessness have threatened the lives of many, many people in our country."