Ex-Obama Health Official Explains How The USA Could End The Epidemic Whenever It Wants In A Detailed Twitter Thread
Andy Slavitt, a top health official back in President Barack Obama’s administration, recently explained that the United States can virtually beat the Covid-19 pandemic at any time that Americans decide to.
Slavitt started off by pointing to countries that were the most successful in fighting the novel coronavirus, explained what should be done in the US point-by-point, showed us what the public’s reaction would be like, and stressed what should be done after the majority of Covid-19 cases were snuffed out.
Read on for one of the most insightful coronavirus analyses and action plans we’ve seen so far in 2020, dear Pandas! Be sure to let us know what you think about Slavitt’s ideas and how realistic they are in the comments.
More info: Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn | Podcast
Ex-Obama health official Andy Slavitt explained in great detail how the US can beat Covid-19
Image credits: ASlavitt
Image credits: ASlavitt
Image credits: ASlavitt
Image credits: ASlavitt
Image credits: ASlavitt
Image credits: ASlavitt
Image credits: ASlavitt
Image credits: ASlavitt
Image credits: ASlavitt
Image credits: ASlavitt
Image credits: ASlavitt
Image credits: ASlavitt
Image credits: ASlavitt
Image credits: ASlavitt
Image credits: ASlavitt
Image credits: ASlavitt
Image credits: ASlavitt
Image credits: ASlavitt
Image credits: ASlavitt
Image credits: ASlavitt
Image credits: ASlavitt
Image credits: ASlavitt
Image credits: ASlavitt
Image credits: ASlavitt
Image credits: ASlavitt
Image credits: ASlavitt
Image credits: ASlavitt
Image credits: ASlavitt
Image credits: ASlavitt
Image credits: ASlavitt
Image credits: ASlavitt
Image credits: ASlavitt
Image credits: ASlavitt
Image credits: ASlavitt
Image credits: ASlavitt
Image credits: ASlavitt
Image credits: ASlavitt
Image credits: ASlavitt
“I think we were founded on principles of liberty and freedom and distrust of government. And some of that makes us who we are. But that also means that we need really good leadership in times like these because we have to do difficult things. Nobody asked for this virus, and we’re all going to be inconvenienced by it one way or another. And so it takes an enormous amount of leadership to tell people that we’ve got to make some sacrifices,” Slavitt told NPR.
Andy Slavitt is a former Acting Administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. President Obama nominated him to run the CMS in July 2015 after he helped repair the healthcare.gov website after its bumpy rollout. Slavitt did so until January 2017. So when it comes to healthcare, he knows what he’s talking about.
Slavitt’s Twitter thread got over 84.3k likes and more than 43.5k retweets and comments at the time of writing. If the expert wanted to start a discussion about healthcare and what the response to the pandemic should be like, he got his wish. You can also read the expert’s insights about the coronavirus in his post on Medium.
In the latest news about Covid-19, US Republicans introduced a 1 trillion dollar recovery plan to address the economic impact the pandemic has had in the country. As part of the plan, schools would get 100 billion dollars in support. Meanwhile, most Americans would get 1.2k dollar stimulus payments. However, the plan would also reduce the 600-dollar weekly unemployment benefit bonus to 200 dollars until states can come up with an alternative.
The pandemic has hit the US especially hard. According to the BBC, around 15 million jobs were lost since February 2020. Meanwhile, according to the latest data collected by Johns Hopkins University, there are nearly 4.3 million confirmed cased of Covid-19 and 148k coronavirus-related deaths in the US. If put into action, Slavitt’s plan might just be what gets the US out of this crisis.
This is how some people reacted to Slavitt’s action plan to end the coronavirus pandemic in the US
Image credits: chrisnj0614
Image credits: SteveLafferty63
Image credits: grasshoppr93
Image credits: grasshoppr93
Image credits: auntiev55
Image credits: Roelof79
Image credits: SnarkMaster3000
Image credits: WF_writerEM
I would like to apologize for the Dutch Covidiot. Yes, in Europe we also have a minority of mentally handicapped morons trying to sabotage efforts to contain Covid-19. But at least they are not part of the government.
Thank you. Saves me the trouble of typing a lot of text :-)
Load More Replies...
I can just hear people now screaming about freedom, God and how this would be communism (because they have no idea what communism actually is).
Exactly. In America, socialism and communism are the same thing, and the only examples of communism are dictatorships such as the USSR and China. Therefore: following sensible guidance from the government = internment camps. I wish this was an exaggeration but this thread already contains a photo of people wearing swastika masks to illustrate this point.
Load More Replies...
This will never happen, most Americans can't follow simple instructions with out blowing a gasket. Like wear a mask. Don't travel. Stay 6 feet away.
I would love to resume traveling to the US again, soon. But it does not seem to be possible again any time soon since European countries list the US as unsafe, imposing heaviest restrictions upon return. This is a saddening development. Ultimately, travel restrictions merel, illustrate that the crisis is out of control and that people suffer needlessly.
Load More Replies...
The problem isn't all Americans, it's the few American politicians who chose to make COVID-19 a political issue. Thanks to them, lockdowns & mask-wearing has become a partisan issue, and resisting it has become a political statement. It didn't have to be this way.
If everyone bought supplies to last 2 weeks and stayed inside for 2 weeks then afterwards only go out if your household was virus free. If everyone did this, it would be the end of this pandemic.
Except doctors and nurses still need to go to work to care for those who are already sick. Utility & telecom company employees still need to work, to keep our electricity & water flowing, and internet up. Someone needs to enforce the stay-at-home order, so law enforcement personnel still need to show up for work. Medical researchers still need to keep working to develop treatments & vaccines. Farm animals need to be fed. Etc, etc. All in all, I think 90% lockdown is about the best we can do - which is exactly what Andy Slavitt is suggesting here.
Load More Replies...
Frankly, the focus on the dealing of the US with the pandemic is over the top. I much prefer funny, artistic and adorable content here. That the US voluntarily gives up its position as world leader through this crisis is understood by now.
I agree, entertainment is far more important than saving lives.
Load More Replies...
The explanation given is very detailed and easy to understand. Thank you for clarifying things! Although a total elimination seems impossible, knowing the mentality of some people, strict measures save lives. I feel utterly ashamed to see the Dutch reaction: this person should know better. The cases are lower in the Netherlands because they test much less: about 50000 tests/million people, compared to roughly 134000 t/m here in Belgium. If you take that into account and the fact that many countries are not reporting all Covid deaths, the situation unfortunately, but realistically seems much less positive to me. That's why I'd much rather stay home, telework if possible and be responsible than hold on to so-called freedom. He speaks of Western democracy: I don't understand what he thinks that is: the USA of the elite, the banks and warmongering racist men? A democracy, no matter where it is, is a responsible government that cares, saves lives, a government that can be held accountable.
Tomorrow, stricter measures will be active again here in Belgium because we're in the second wave now. The situation is difficult, but necessary to flatten the curve again. Certain politicians were being very difficult, but even they had to admit that reality requires further actions and finally listened to the experts. Those who speak of opening up and saving the economy need to understand that the economy will fall anyway, it already has, and the sooner it's safe, the sooner we can rebuild it. We can all get over this, we know so much more than when people faced the Spanish Flu and holding on now can save the lives of our loved ones and those who have bad health to begin with. I hope you all stay safe, sound and healthy!
Load More Replies...
The voting system in the US is extremely accurate. Whether people are breaking laws to sway voters or prevent some people from voting, that's a completely different issue.
Load More Replies...
It isn't just bad governance. The US has millions of Trump-loving morons who simply will not wear a mask no matter what. As long as we have them to deal with, we'll never beat this thing.
This man speaks truth. If we'd done it right in March, I wouldn't be fretting over sending my 6 year old to school in a month. The people not bothering to wear a mask are the same people who didn't do s**t during group projects. They're either too lazy to bother, or they genuinely just don't care about other people.
Yes. I noticed that and thought it was a weird example.
Load More Replies...
I could and would do this, albeit bitching and moaning a bunch. The majority of Americans can't though. Aside from the fact that those other countries have leadership that's not blithering idiots they at least try to take care of their citizens. Most governments at least help out with the basics. Not ours. Lose your job, home , health insurance, etc, your on your own. Unless, of course, you've a Fortune 500 company.
Problem is, the orange disaster, and more importantly the GOP, don't want this gone. They want it around as long as possible because it's a distraction. They're using it as a route to blame their opposition. And if they suddenly start acknowledging that science actually works then they lose the entire basis for their existence.
Actually, no. They do want to pretend it's gone - that's why the orange disaster wants schools to reopen. But they don't want people to be thinking about it too much - hence the stormtroopers in Portland and all sorts of other distractions. If people think too much about the way Trump is handling this disaster, he'll lose the election.
Load More Replies...
Much of this appears to be largely emotional little informed rhetoric that does not go to either solving the problem, understanding what is needed, or even understanding why different people have different approaches to COVID. It perpetuates the idea there are universal fixes. Plenty of tests; none are well validated and with a 50% false positive or false negative flip a coin; no effective contact tracing. Universal mask wering, some states have virtually no outbreaks, few exposures, fewer deaths so the measures need not be draconian where there is no medical need. Common sense would be nice; if tou are sick, stay home, if you can't stay home, wear a mask to protect others. Vaccine? ~60,000 die of flu annually despite approved treatments-really? Individuals have to take control of their own health that is what covid teaches.
Welcome to America where people got bored of a pandemic and claimed it was a hoax. Then decided that it didn't exist anymore. With love from an American.
It's sad to see there are so many retards living in the US, and having a bigger r****d in the White house fuelling their r******d ideas. People are more important than money!
Am Dr. Albert, working with Nitesh Pharma Company Limited Uk, can you assist me in business in India which will benefit both of us, In our pharma company we are in need of a herbal leave Supplier, (UKAZZI LEAVES) which is found in India. This antiviral herb is confirmed to have 85 % effect on cases like corona virus protection. i will direct you on how to get the farmer in India, contact me for more details via email: info.dr.albert@gmail.com Whats-app: +916385278023
This guy is writing as if USA economy already wasn't terribly hit. The country's economic engines (the coasts, and especially NYC) have been under lockdown since March, and still aren't out. The social safety net is much weaker than in Europe, many are already unemployed and desperate. Even the meager benefits are about to expire. Now tell them that they should be doing the same for the next three months. Tell them that they've been doing so much worse than Europe which enjoys their "back to semi-normal" since late May. The US has large vulnerable population and an issue with unchecked mobility that makes local attempts to control the spread nearly futile. But don't tell us that it's because we don't wear masks. In NYC we wear them since March, even now when it is 36°C outside. And all activities must be held outside. Europeans who enjoy a break from mask wearing for the last two months (if they ever started wearing them) just feel bad for us.
Living in Germany, I can confirm the above strategy, but the people have to VOLUNTEER to follow the guidelines. Imposing them has the average effect. But when you explain to people why it is needed, how they can contribute and confirm that their actions do help, they are more eager to make these sacrifices in their "rights"
I don't think it's that easy. It's a virus, it will come back, again and again and again, maybe it will even mutate in process. It came to stay. We need better medications and treatments than just keeping people alive. In my country we had almost full lockdown at the start of epidemics and it lasted almost two months. Literally nothing except stores and pharmacies worked and even that for limited time (which produced another problems like hoarding groceries and long long lines in front of stores). That totally didn't work except economy is even worse that it was, many companies broke, people lost jobs and as for the epidemics it's worse than ever, maybe worse than USA. People are wearing masks but that does absolutely nothing. Masks are also too expensive and we can really afford that many for each day. It sound good in theory but in practice it just doesn't work. I am saying we need better treatments and cure. And things in Europe are not that great as you think.
If scientists dealt with questions that involved only science then we'd see far fewer deaths and infections that we already have. Politicians care about things other than human life and human health, in fact these seem to be somewhat further down the list. The companies they have shares in and their share prices, donations from the rich and popularity among those who really don't get it. It's short sighted, caring for life and health before anything will prevent this being a continuing problem, which it now WILL BE. But politicians only think in the short term..
I wish people stopped using NZ as an example for Covid-19... Despite what the media is running with, NZ's response has been lacking at best. The full lockdown obviously prevented a big outbreak, but the continued closed borders will cripple the already weakened economy NZ has that heavily depends on tourism, and NZ is too small a country/population to self-sustain itself. There was virtually no contact-tracing, they lost hundreds of contacts of people that left quarantine without getting tested. It is a disaster if you just look at it objectively. An external audit found that many regional health district boards were severely outdated and could only track about 150 people a day, not 1000 like the Prime Minister said in front of the cameras. Next time there is a virus outbreak, NZ won't be able to hold it off because there is no proper protocol in place even now. Use Taiwan, South Korea and Germany as good examples for test, trace and treat response, not NZ.
So why have the Sweden deaths dropped? Not trolling, just asking, since I noticed it was conveniently left out of the analysis.
Here's a good article on this: https://www.businessinsider.com/sweden-coronavirus-cases-deaths-fall-not-mean-lockdown-plan-worked-2020-7
Load More Replies...
The Nazi scarf/masked couple are now saying they aren't Nazis. But the woman IS wearing a brown shirt?
He forgot Japan and S Korea Together only 1300 C19 deaths Both homogeneous societies Personal responsibility a huge factor
The EU is definitely NOT homogeneous. They are doing MUCH better than the US.
Load More Replies...
The main difference at the very beginning was most countries either gave control to the medical experts in charge or took the advise and spoke along side of the medical experts in charge. Trump bashed it as fake news from the beginning and routinely says the US's top medical expert is wrong - and people believe him over someone who spent their entire life studying infectious diseases. But, most Americans I believe realize this, and unfortunately they too are being dragged through the mud and labeled as ignorant/stupid/oblivious when it's only a small group. I feel for the Americans just trying to do the right thing.
.. healthcare workers and people in food production are going to stay home? I'm not worried the economy is going to take a hit but there will be food shortages and the disadvantaged will suffer. I'm all for a stronger nation wide shutdown for a few weeks, but maybe 75% rather than 90%.
No one in the US will want a single penny to be spent to provide financial support to people who are staying home in lockdown, or to businesses that will have to close due to lockdown. It took them weeks of wrangling to provide a single $1200 payment (for 4 months of lockdown). So there's no way this will ever happen. Nice thing to fantasize about, though.
This is pretty funny, coming from an admin that botched two epidemics. 🙄
Oh? Explain how. And explain why 160,000+ deaths and counting isn't a botched job for Trump.
Load More Replies...
I tell you what, meet you back here a couple weeks after the elections and let's see if the whole thing disappears. The government is the least of your problems! LMAO
Well, compared to having to deal with idiots like you, I suppose it is.
Load More Replies... It's tragic that so many people negligently whelped crotch droppings, confident they could warehouse the little blighters in some school or daycare. A vaccine is a pipe dream. The US simply doesn't have the resources to distribute a free vaccine. People without cars to isolate themselves in can't get tested or receive healthcare. keep your virus-spewing pie holes covered, people.. You don't get to choose.
Americans are too f*****g selfish for any of this to happen. Our whole CULTURE is an obsession with antisocial interpretations of “freedom” and “individuality”. We have too few people with the ability to think critically. They are instead ruled entirely by ego and emotion, and compassion & empathy are NOT the dominant emotions. Greed and selfishness are. It’s systemic; it’s institutional; it’s foundational culture here.
I agree with you. Us Canadians watch the US politics, culture and extreme ignorance like it Is a sideshow to a really s****y circus. The US should send all their COVIDIOTS on a one way ticket to the sun. Problem solved.
Load More Replies...
Haha, well, thought out, and well-put, but as soon as you put "Obama staffer" near it, it won't happen. This c**p has been politicized, rampant ignorance takes sway, the media helps fuel much of that, for it sells better. After slaughtering 100,000+ Iraqis a decade or so ago, built on a screaming lie, we Americans finally get our comeuppance. Today, the USA has the President it deserves, not the one it needs.
"Keep the bars & restaurants & churches & transit closed. All hot spots." However, CHAZ/CHOP, protesting, rioting and looting are ok.
no, it's not "all on Trump." When he started limiting people coming into the country, all you libs and dems screamed bloody murder. Look at what you're doing now about the riots......."he's not helping" "he's making it worse." No matter what his reaction to this virus was, you would have hated him for it. Keep yourselves isolated, wear your masks, and WASH YOUR HANDS.
Yes America is handling COVID-19 awfully, but New Zealand has a tiny population in comparison, so it's much easier for them to handle the situation
About 40% are still polled as being pro-Trump at this point, after all this. We have about 25 times more STUPID in our population than you have POPULATION. S**t, we'll probably invade you ..
Load More Replies... And who do you think politicized it?? It was the guy who called it a Democrat hoax, that it'll go away magically. The same guy who still insists on calling it the "China virus." The guy who refused to be seen wearing a mask until a couple of weeks ago.
Load More Replies...
What's so brave about deliberately going out and getting infected? Do you also seek out the plague, malaria, and the West Nile virus? Facing a disease doesn't mean you go out of your way to get infected with it.
Load More Replies...
You are in denial. You are choosing to ignore the fact that many countries have gotten COVID-19 under control, and are re-opening.
Load More Replies...
Nobody said we "just need to stay home for a few weeks" - we needed to stay home until we had better understanding on how to better treat the disease and prevent its spread. During those weeks we did learn a lot of new things - e.g. masks are effective, hot weather has no effect, which drugs are/aren't effective, etc. Andy's recommendations are all based on those new info. Also, he is advocating 90% lockdown, which still allows 10% to work essential tasks including food distribution. If this doesn't work, we'll find out why it didn't work, and come up with a better plan.
Load More Replies... 
The worst idea ever has already saved millions of lives outside of America. He's not saying anything new here, that's the whole point of this article! The problem is when people think that a leader being allowed to lead is the same as a dictator, which is the same as a 7 year old screaming "You never let me do ANYTHING!" when their parents say they can't have a tub of ice cream at 11 PM.
Load More Replies... I would like to apologize for the Dutch Covidiot. Yes, in Europe we also have a minority of mentally handicapped morons trying to sabotage efforts to contain Covid-19. But at least they are not part of the government.
Thank you. Saves me the trouble of typing a lot of text :-)
Load More Replies... I can just hear people now screaming about freedom, God and how this would be communism (because they have no idea what communism actually is).
Exactly. In America, socialism and communism are the same thing, and the only examples of communism are dictatorships such as the USSR and China. Therefore: following sensible guidance from the government = internment camps. I wish this was an exaggeration but this thread already contains a photo of people wearing swastika masks to illustrate this point.
Load More Replies... This will never happen, most Americans can't follow simple instructions with out blowing a gasket. Like wear a mask. Don't travel. Stay 6 feet away.
I would love to resume traveling to the US again, soon. But it does not seem to be possible again any time soon since European countries list the US as unsafe, imposing heaviest restrictions upon return. This is a saddening development. Ultimately, travel restrictions merel, illustrate that the crisis is out of control and that people suffer needlessly.
Load More Replies... The problem isn't all Americans, it's the few American politicians who chose to make COVID-19 a political issue. Thanks to them, lockdowns & mask-wearing has become a partisan issue, and resisting it has become a political statement. It didn't have to be this way.
If everyone bought supplies to last 2 weeks and stayed inside for 2 weeks then afterwards only go out if your household was virus free. If everyone did this, it would be the end of this pandemic.
Except doctors and nurses still need to go to work to care for those who are already sick. Utility & telecom company employees still need to work, to keep our electricity & water flowing, and internet up. Someone needs to enforce the stay-at-home order, so law enforcement personnel still need to show up for work. Medical researchers still need to keep working to develop treatments & vaccines. Farm animals need to be fed. Etc, etc. All in all, I think 90% lockdown is about the best we can do - which is exactly what Andy Slavitt is suggesting here.
Load More Replies... Frankly, the focus on the dealing of the US with the pandemic is over the top. I much prefer funny, artistic and adorable content here. That the US voluntarily gives up its position as world leader through this crisis is understood by now.
I agree, entertainment is far more important than saving lives.
Load More Replies... The explanation given is very detailed and easy to understand. Thank you for clarifying things! Although a total elimination seems impossible, knowing the mentality of some people, strict measures save lives. I feel utterly ashamed to see the Dutch reaction: this person should know better. The cases are lower in the Netherlands because they test much less: about 50000 tests/million people, compared to roughly 134000 t/m here in Belgium. If you take that into account and the fact that many countries are not reporting all Covid deaths, the situation unfortunately, but realistically seems much less positive to me. That's why I'd much rather stay home, telework if possible and be responsible than hold on to so-called freedom. He speaks of Western democracy: I don't understand what he thinks that is: the USA of the elite, the banks and warmongering racist men? A democracy, no matter where it is, is a responsible government that cares, saves lives, a government that can be held accountable.
Tomorrow, stricter measures will be active again here in Belgium because we're in the second wave now. The situation is difficult, but necessary to flatten the curve again. Certain politicians were being very difficult, but even they had to admit that reality requires further actions and finally listened to the experts. Those who speak of opening up and saving the economy need to understand that the economy will fall anyway, it already has, and the sooner it's safe, the sooner we can rebuild it. We can all get over this, we know so much more than when people faced the Spanish Flu and holding on now can save the lives of our loved ones and those who have bad health to begin with. I hope you all stay safe, sound and healthy!
Load More Replies... The voting system in the US is extremely accurate. Whether people are breaking laws to sway voters or prevent some people from voting, that's a completely different issue.
Load More Replies... It isn't just bad governance. The US has millions of Trump-loving morons who simply will not wear a mask no matter what. As long as we have them to deal with, we'll never beat this thing.
This man speaks truth. If we'd done it right in March, I wouldn't be fretting over sending my 6 year old to school in a month. The people not bothering to wear a mask are the same people who didn't do s**t during group projects. They're either too lazy to bother, or they genuinely just don't care about other people.
Yes. I noticed that and thought it was a weird example.
Load More Replies... I could and would do this, albeit bitching and moaning a bunch. The majority of Americans can't though. Aside from the fact that those other countries have leadership that's not blithering idiots they at least try to take care of their citizens. Most governments at least help out with the basics. Not ours. Lose your job, home , health insurance, etc, your on your own. Unless, of course, you've a Fortune 500 company.
Problem is, the orange disaster, and more importantly the GOP, don't want this gone. They want it around as long as possible because it's a distraction. They're using it as a route to blame their opposition. And if they suddenly start acknowledging that science actually works then they lose the entire basis for their existence.
Actually, no. They do want to pretend it's gone - that's why the orange disaster wants schools to reopen. But they don't want people to be thinking about it too much - hence the stormtroopers in Portland and all sorts of other distractions. If people think too much about the way Trump is handling this disaster, he'll lose the election.
Load More Replies... Much of this appears to be largely emotional little informed rhetoric that does not go to either solving the problem, understanding what is needed, or even understanding why different people have different approaches to COVID. It perpetuates the idea there are universal fixes. Plenty of tests; none are well validated and with a 50% false positive or false negative flip a coin; no effective contact tracing. Universal mask wering, some states have virtually no outbreaks, few exposures, fewer deaths so the measures need not be draconian where there is no medical need. Common sense would be nice; if tou are sick, stay home, if you can't stay home, wear a mask to protect others. Vaccine? ~60,000 die of flu annually despite approved treatments-really? Individuals have to take control of their own health that is what covid teaches.
Welcome to America where people got bored of a pandemic and claimed it was a hoax. Then decided that it didn't exist anymore. With love from an American.
It's sad to see there are so many retards living in the US, and having a bigger r****d in the White house fuelling their r******d ideas. People are more important than money!
Am Dr. Albert, working with Nitesh Pharma Company Limited Uk, can you assist me in business in India which will benefit both of us, In our pharma company we are in need of a herbal leave Supplier, (UKAZZI LEAVES) which is found in India. This antiviral herb is confirmed to have 85 % effect on cases like corona virus protection. i will direct you on how to get the farmer in India, contact me for more details via email: info.dr.albert@gmail.com Whats-app: +916385278023
This guy is writing as if USA economy already wasn't terribly hit. The country's economic engines (the coasts, and especially NYC) have been under lockdown since March, and still aren't out. The social safety net is much weaker than in Europe, many are already unemployed and desperate. Even the meager benefits are about to expire. Now tell them that they should be doing the same for the next three months. Tell them that they've been doing so much worse than Europe which enjoys their "back to semi-normal" since late May. The US has large vulnerable population and an issue with unchecked mobility that makes local attempts to control the spread nearly futile. But don't tell us that it's because we don't wear masks. In NYC we wear them since March, even now when it is 36°C outside. And all activities must be held outside. Europeans who enjoy a break from mask wearing for the last two months (if they ever started wearing them) just feel bad for us.
Living in Germany, I can confirm the above strategy, but the people have to VOLUNTEER to follow the guidelines. Imposing them has the average effect. But when you explain to people why it is needed, how they can contribute and confirm that their actions do help, they are more eager to make these sacrifices in their "rights"
I don't think it's that easy. It's a virus, it will come back, again and again and again, maybe it will even mutate in process. It came to stay. We need better medications and treatments than just keeping people alive. In my country we had almost full lockdown at the start of epidemics and it lasted almost two months. Literally nothing except stores and pharmacies worked and even that for limited time (which produced another problems like hoarding groceries and long long lines in front of stores). That totally didn't work except economy is even worse that it was, many companies broke, people lost jobs and as for the epidemics it's worse than ever, maybe worse than USA. People are wearing masks but that does absolutely nothing. Masks are also too expensive and we can really afford that many for each day. It sound good in theory but in practice it just doesn't work. I am saying we need better treatments and cure. And things in Europe are not that great as you think.
If scientists dealt with questions that involved only science then we'd see far fewer deaths and infections that we already have. Politicians care about things other than human life and human health, in fact these seem to be somewhat further down the list. The companies they have shares in and their share prices, donations from the rich and popularity among those who really don't get it. It's short sighted, caring for life and health before anything will prevent this being a continuing problem, which it now WILL BE. But politicians only think in the short term..
I wish people stopped using NZ as an example for Covid-19... Despite what the media is running with, NZ's response has been lacking at best. The full lockdown obviously prevented a big outbreak, but the continued closed borders will cripple the already weakened economy NZ has that heavily depends on tourism, and NZ is too small a country/population to self-sustain itself. There was virtually no contact-tracing, they lost hundreds of contacts of people that left quarantine without getting tested. It is a disaster if you just look at it objectively. An external audit found that many regional health district boards were severely outdated and could only track about 150 people a day, not 1000 like the Prime Minister said in front of the cameras. Next time there is a virus outbreak, NZ won't be able to hold it off because there is no proper protocol in place even now. Use Taiwan, South Korea and Germany as good examples for test, trace and treat response, not NZ.
So why have the Sweden deaths dropped? Not trolling, just asking, since I noticed it was conveniently left out of the analysis.
Here's a good article on this: https://www.businessinsider.com/sweden-coronavirus-cases-deaths-fall-not-mean-lockdown-plan-worked-2020-7
Load More Replies... The Nazi scarf/masked couple are now saying they aren't Nazis. But the woman IS wearing a brown shirt?
He forgot Japan and S Korea Together only 1300 C19 deaths Both homogeneous societies Personal responsibility a huge factor
The EU is definitely NOT homogeneous. They are doing MUCH better than the US.
Load More Replies... The main difference at the very beginning was most countries either gave control to the medical experts in charge or took the advise and spoke along side of the medical experts in charge. Trump bashed it as fake news from the beginning and routinely says the US's top medical expert is wrong - and people believe him over someone who spent their entire life studying infectious diseases. But, most Americans I believe realize this, and unfortunately they too are being dragged through the mud and labeled as ignorant/stupid/oblivious when it's only a small group. I feel for the Americans just trying to do the right thing.
.. healthcare workers and people in food production are going to stay home? I'm not worried the economy is going to take a hit but there will be food shortages and the disadvantaged will suffer. I'm all for a stronger nation wide shutdown for a few weeks, but maybe 75% rather than 90%.
No one in the US will want a single penny to be spent to provide financial support to people who are staying home in lockdown, or to businesses that will have to close due to lockdown. It took them weeks of wrangling to provide a single $1200 payment (for 4 months of lockdown). So there's no way this will ever happen. Nice thing to fantasize about, though.
This is pretty funny, coming from an admin that botched two epidemics. 🙄
Oh? Explain how. And explain why 160,000+ deaths and counting isn't a botched job for Trump.
Load More Replies... I tell you what, meet you back here a couple weeks after the elections and let's see if the whole thing disappears. The government is the least of your problems! LMAO
Well, compared to having to deal with idiots like you, I suppose it is.
Load More Replies... It's tragic that so many people negligently whelped crotch droppings, confident they could warehouse the little blighters in some school or daycare. A vaccine is a pipe dream. The US simply doesn't have the resources to distribute a free vaccine. People without cars to isolate themselves in can't get tested or receive healthcare. keep your virus-spewing pie holes covered, people.. You don't get to choose.
Americans are too f*****g selfish for any of this to happen. Our whole CULTURE is an obsession with antisocial interpretations of “freedom” and “individuality”. We have too few people with the ability to think critically. They are instead ruled entirely by ego and emotion, and compassion & empathy are NOT the dominant emotions. Greed and selfishness are. It’s systemic; it’s institutional; it’s foundational culture here.
I agree with you. Us Canadians watch the US politics, culture and extreme ignorance like it Is a sideshow to a really s****y circus. The US should send all their COVIDIOTS on a one way ticket to the sun. Problem solved.
Load More Replies... Haha, well, thought out, and well-put, but as soon as you put "Obama staffer" near it, it won't happen. This c**p has been politicized, rampant ignorance takes sway, the media helps fuel much of that, for it sells better. After slaughtering 100,000+ Iraqis a decade or so ago, built on a screaming lie, we Americans finally get our comeuppance. Today, the USA has the President it deserves, not the one it needs.
"Keep the bars & restaurants & churches & transit closed. All hot spots." However, CHAZ/CHOP, protesting, rioting and looting are ok.
no, it's not "all on Trump." When he started limiting people coming into the country, all you libs and dems screamed bloody murder. Look at what you're doing now about the riots......."he's not helping" "he's making it worse." No matter what his reaction to this virus was, you would have hated him for it. Keep yourselves isolated, wear your masks, and WASH YOUR HANDS.
Yes America is handling COVID-19 awfully, but New Zealand has a tiny population in comparison, so it's much easier for them to handle the situation
About 40% are still polled as being pro-Trump at this point, after all this. We have about 25 times more STUPID in our population than you have POPULATION. S**t, we'll probably invade you ..
Load More Replies... And who do you think politicized it?? It was the guy who called it a Democrat hoax, that it'll go away magically. The same guy who still insists on calling it the "China virus." The guy who refused to be seen wearing a mask until a couple of weeks ago.
Load More Replies... What's so brave about deliberately going out and getting infected? Do you also seek out the plague, malaria, and the West Nile virus? Facing a disease doesn't mean you go out of your way to get infected with it.
Load More Replies... You are in denial. You are choosing to ignore the fact that many countries have gotten COVID-19 under control, and are re-opening.
Load More Replies... Nobody said we "just need to stay home for a few weeks" - we needed to stay home until we had better understanding on how to better treat the disease and prevent its spread. During those weeks we did learn a lot of new things - e.g. masks are effective, hot weather has no effect, which drugs are/aren't effective, etc. Andy's recommendations are all based on those new info. Also, he is advocating 90% lockdown, which still allows 10% to work essential tasks including food distribution. If this doesn't work, we'll find out why it didn't work, and come up with a better plan.
Load More Replies... The worst idea ever has already saved millions of lives outside of America. He's not saying anything new here, that's the whole point of this article! The problem is when people think that a leader being allowed to lead is the same as a dictator, which is the same as a 7 year old screaming "You never let me do ANYTHING!" when their parents say they can't have a tub of ice cream at 11 PM.
Load More Replies...
173
131