The Trump Administration Has Hindered Our Ability to Effectively Respond to the Coronavirus Epidemic

[G_j]

https://blog.ucsusa.org/anita-desikan/trump-administration-has-hindered-ability-to-respond-to-coronavirus?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=fb

“At the start of every disaster movie, there is a scientist being ignored.” – 2017 March for Science protest sign

The novel coronavirus, known as COVID-19, may be the most intense international public health crisis seen in the last few years. In the coming days, as COVID-19 inches towards becoming a full-on pandemic, it will become more important than ever to listen to the scientists and public health professionals advocating for disease control and prevention measures based on the best available science. But the unfortunate truth is that the Trump Administration has carried out actions that appear to leave the US less prepared to face the threat of this disease.

The current state of play

COVID-19 has been detected in at least 29 countries and has already caused worldwide changes – it has caused stock markets to plummet, disrupted global trade, unsettled worldwide travel, bred conspiracy theories and misinformation, and fostered racist attacks against people of Asian origin. COVID-19 is a hard disease to control, since an infected person on average is spreading the disease to two or three other people; COVID-19 has symptoms that easily resemble other diseases such as the common flu; and asymptomatic people can spread the virus.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is actively preparing for the likelihood that COVID-19 will establish a “foothold in the US.” On Feb 25, officials at the CDC and National Institutes of Health (NIH) told the public to prepare for the “inevitable” spread of the coronavirus within the US, saying that “It’s not a question of if this will happen, but when this will happen, and how many people in this country will have severe illnesses.” On Feb 26, CDC officials confirmed that America’s first case of coronavirus with an unknown origin has occurred in Northern California.

When science is ignored during a public health crisis

Governments around the world should listen to the voices of scientists and public health experts and be cautious with official public statements as they work to control the virus’ spread. Yet there are already some worrying signs that science is being devalued.

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[Hortensis]

1. THE REPUBLICAN LEADERSHIP! Remember that literally billions

of dollars for medical research and action were slashed as "fat" from our budgets over the past decade alone! The effects on research for disease prevention and cures were DEVASTATING.

And all those who didn't vote Democrat for cures and to stop anti-government conservatives have themselves to blame. It will be too late for some of them to save themselves from whatever takes them, but it's NOT too late for all to vote to save all who can be.

Either Democrats or Republicans will dominate come January 20, 2020. The choice couldn't be simpler.

[BigmanPigman]

2. Great analogy...."At the start of every disaster movie...".-