Trust me, you are glad I’m not. But, there are policies that need to be effected to keep America strong and great. As opposed to what’s been going on for the past three years to make us weak and disregarded.
This coronavirus pandemic is a prime example. Our delayed response (oops- it’s not a response at all, unless one considers what Governor Cuomo has been propounding to be the American response) is placing our citizenry at risk. And, as if the slights, slurs, and tweets of TheDonald have not put our world-wide reputation at risk, our failure to respond to the world, but more importantly, our inability to lead the world in the response to this crisis marginalizes the importance of America as a world leader. Leaving the door opened for China to take the prime position. Which it is gladly pursuing.
OK. Enough. What would I do? And, please note these may not be only my ideas. I am just building upon what America did the last time there was a true national health crisis.
Back in the early 1950’s, I recall being marched to the corner, waiting in line with (what felt like) a zillion other kids. All of us holding the hands of our moms. Thankfully, it was a nice day.
And, what a great surprise I got. After about an hour of complaining and flittering about, I had a terrible ache in my right shoulder (they knew I was a lefty!) that lasted about 2 days. Because the polio shot I got really hurt (and my body reacted).
This was not an optional item. My mom and dad had no say in this action. It was a requirement that every child under a certain age (sorry, I was WAY too young at the time to know all the rules) HAD to get. To protect ourselves and the rest of the US population.
So, that’s where my idea comes from. Of course, as opposed to the current US government leaders, with their heads in their rectums. As I would conscript firms to produce one (each) of the seven products we need.
(Here is an important aside. We now know- from data (not from the confines of a megalomaniac or a troll twitter feed) that 1/2 of all who are infected with the coronavirus is asymptomatic. Which means they don’t know they have it- as they blithely infect others. How does that change your calculus?)
One key item: A serology test to discern if one has developed antibodies to the SARS SCoV2 virus. That means it would know if someone has Covid-19, or recovered from the disease already. (Some folks would not manifest any symptoms, or thought they were too mild about which they should worry.) (These folks also would yield a good place to seek out vaccine ideas.)
Another item: The PCR test (polymerase chin reaction) that detects the genetic signature of the live SARS SCoV2 virus. This would indicate those folks would have those recently infected. (This is one of the key tests for which governors are clamoring.)
We know our bodies eliminate the virus between 14 and 20 days after the disease manifests. That means these tests would tell us who is at risk, notify those who were in contact with those with the contagion (and test them), as well as those who no longer pose risks.
Those infected would be immediately quarantined. So, they would pose no further risk to others until they have cleared the virus. Folks who were in contact with the quarantined would be required to self-quarantine for 14 days. If they manifest no symptoms after that time, they would be free to go about their business normally. And, those who manifested antibodies on the serology tests and symptom free would be able to go about their business normally. (If they manifested symptoms, they would also be quarantined.)
Oh, yeah. Those folks not yet tested would be required to self-quarantine.
The other five items are self-explanatory: Masks (effective ones, not the simple cloth or paper masks), protective eye equipment, gloves, gowns. And, ventilators- which don’t have to be the fanciest, computer controlled items.
One more thing- we’d have to test (at their expense) any potential visitors to the country. Before they board an international flight. Or cross one of the Canadian or Mexican kiosks. (Yes, this means only American carriers will be allowed to transport visitors, unless another carrier wishes to effect the tests to our specifications.) Should a potential visitor manifest the virus, they would be banned. No virus- we’re pleased to have you!
In the course of no more than 20-25 days, this pandemic in America would be over. Not the disease, not the potentiality- but the wave.
My remedy won’t be cheap. But a lot cheaper than bailing out foreign flagged cruise lines, domestic airlines, and a bunch of businesses for months on end.
Welcome to my dream- or my nightmare. I’m not sure which.
But explain to me why I don’t want you as president?
Holly Jahangiri recently posted..Dessert for Breakfast
I fear that I could become too autocratic. Power corrupts. Absolute power corrupts absolutely.
The nightmare is here. So many chances to prepare and all blown, and yet people keep following that man. Reality: My county, as of today, has 17 cases and three deaths. Our downtown arena/indoor concert area, called The Arena, is going to be turned into an overflow hospital. And oh yes, the intercity bus terminal was closed at midnight tonight. Motel rooms may no longer be rented to anyone who lives outside our county. We’ve been under an essential leaving the house order for over a week now, restaurants take out only, no gatherings permitted. Too little, too late. Health care workers are dying by the hour. The Monty Python “Bring Out Your Dead” skit will no longer be a joke.
Alana recently posted..The Backyard #SkywatchFriday
It is too little, and late. But, if folks follow Cuomo’s rules (I am not a fan of his- but he has been remarkably reliant in guiding the NY State response), the curve will relent in a fortnight or less.
Thanks for writing this entry.
It confuses and scares me that it doesn’t seem as though even the people surrounding this president are capable of meeting this challenge. I feel fortunate that I live in a city, Austin, TX, Where the leader ship seem to be very capable. My state however, has been slow to move. I hope you remain safe yourself.
Will Burley recently posted..Ten Ways a JV Partnership Can Grow Your Business
Thanks for your thoughts, Will. We can only hope that Tony Fauci – and the former ambassador, Dr. Birx- maintain a scientific and medical basis for our response.
What helpful and useful information! And science based. It would be helpful if people in government would follow the program that you’ve outlined here.
Alice Gerard recently posted..Life in these strange times: early spring in Buckhorn Island State Park
That would be nice. Not for me- but for the United States of America, Alice.
I like your ideas! SC is finally shutting down all tourists but won’t to a shelter in place. My freezer and pantry are full, I’m already hunkered down.
Glad you liked the concept, Martha. Too bad they’re not enacted yet.
Incomprehensible how the USA (read: TheDonald) failed to prepare, respond and lead in this crisis. The Idiot is more concerned with this re-election numbers. I sure hope these numbers will pound him into oblivion forever. The US lost its status as world leader before this crisis hit. Ever crazy people in your country elected this knucklehead as your leader the world has not taken the US very seriously. And, for sure, China is stepping up its efforts to take over and will probably succeed which will NOT bode well for the ‘free’ world. ARGH……!!!!!
I could not have said it better, Jessica. Thanks for amplifying the discussion!
My wife and I are pretty much staying away from everyone here in Mexico but only about half the stores that should be closed are actually closed. The numbers are going up slowly but I think that is more of a lack of testing than anything. One American has died already because she was treated for a common cold. The medical people do not seem to be up to speed on this thing down here. The planes continue to fly in but that in part is because tourist ships that can’t dock in the states are docking here and flying the passengers to the states from here. So if you chose to run for office let me know and I will submit an absentee ballot, which I believe everyone in the states will be doing this year. (And of course, the Donald will oversee the counting of the ballets.)
ChefWilliam recently posted..The Coronavirus And Travel From Mexico
For now, Mexico is very low on the spectrum. I’m not saying it’s going to stay there, but that may be why there’s less alarm. With continued tourism, that is certain to change.
I have no desire to run- since none of the party platforms really suit my concepts.
But, thanks for that absentee ballot. Now, if only I believed that our government really counts them…
Scary times indeed. I like the suggestions here. Drastic, but yeah..overall it makes sense. I guess that’s why you’re not president, you make too much sense. :-).
p.s. I like the new header.
Kemkem recently posted..Tales From The Spanish Lockdown
Thank you for those kind comments, Kemkem. But, it looks like things may finally be changing- announcing to the world that 1/4 million folks are going to die this year from this disease makes many folks sober up.
Interesting article, everyone needs to read this article, it worth reading, great article
Thank you SO much for your kind comments, Peter!