Tag: pandemic

Dr. Fauci Warned In 2017 Of ‘Surprise Outbreak’ During Trump Administration

Dr. Anthony Fauci, the U.S. government’s top infectious disease specialist, warned in early 2017 that a “surprise outbreak” would occur during the Trump administration, and he said that more needed to be done to prepare for a pandemic.

“There is no question that there will be a challenge to the coming administration in the arena of infectious diseases,” he said in a speech titled “Pandemic Preparedness in the Next Administration” at Georgetown University Medical Center. He delivered it just days before Trump was inaugurated on Jan. 20, 2017.

Fauci, who has overseen the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) since 1984, warned that looming health challenges would involve both chronic diseases ―  ones already ongoing ― as well as “a surprise outbreak.” Continue reading.

Boris Johnson hospitalized over coronavirus symptoms

The Hill logoBritish Prime Minister Boris Johnson was admitted to the hospital Sunday night due to ongoing coronavirus symptoms, a statement from his office said.

Johnson was hospitalized “on the advice of his doctor” after experiencing symptoms for more than 10 days after being diagnosed with COVID-19, according to the statement, which was obtained by the BBC.

“The Prime Minister thanks NHS staff for all of their incredible hard work and urges the public to continue to follow the Government’s advice to stay at home, protect the NHS and save lives,” Johnson’s office added, referring to the U.K.’s National Health Service. Continue reading.

Coastal Breeze Can Carry COVID-19 More Than 6 Feet, Says Virus Expert

IN CASE YOU NEEDED ONE MORE REASON TO STAY AWAY FROM THE BEACH

Between stay-at-home orders, threats of fines for surfing and the off chance of getting shot at (if you happen to live in Costa Rica), there are plenty of reasons to steer clear of the beach right now. But if the sum total of those is somehow still not enough to keep you from paddling out, consider this: coastal breezes don’t care about our social distancing protocols and can carry the COVID-19 virus distances greater than 6 feet.

That’s right, according to UC San Diego atmospheric scientist Kim Prather, who studies how viruses and bacteria can be transmitted in the ocean, your 6-foot safety bubble is burst when you enter a breezy environment, as the ocean and beaches frequently are.

“Surfers are saying that they’re safe if they stay 6 feet away from other people, but that’s only true if the air isn’t moving,” Prather told the San Diego Union-Tribune. “Most of the time, there’s wind or a breeze at the coast. Tiny drops of virus can float in the air and get blown around.” Continue reading.

Momentum grows to change medical supply chain from China

The Hill logoCalls are growing for the U.S. to reduce its dependence on China for key medicines and supplies as Americans face widespread shortages in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic.

While the U.S. supply chain’s heavy reliance on Beijing for medical manufacturing has been glaringly apparent for roughly two decades, both lawmakers and administration officials say the virus has exposed just how vulnerable the country is as it leans on China and other nations to help provide the tools necessary to combat the pathogen.

Peter Navarro, President Trump’s economic adviser, pledged this week that the United States would move away from its reliance on other nations and toward building up its own capabilities to produce drugs and medical supplies. Continue reading.

Coronavirus death toll: Americans are almost certainly dying of covid-19 but being left out of the official count

Washington Post logoThe fast-spreading novel coronavirus is almost certainly killing Americans who are not included in the nation’s growing death toll, according to public health experts and government officials involved in the tally.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention counts only deaths in which the presence of the coronavirus is confirmed in a laboratory test. “We know that it is an underestimation,” agency spokeswoman Kristen Nordlund said.

A widespread lack of access to testing in the early weeks of the U.S. outbreak means people with respiratory illnesses died without being counted, epidemiologists say. Even now, some people who die at home or in overburdened nursing homes are not being tested, according to funeral directors, medical examiners and nursing home representatives. Continue reading.

He Went to Jared

New York Times logoHeaven help us, we’re at the mercy of the Slim Suit crowd.

A few years ago, when some photos by Times photographers adorning our office walls were swapped out for others, I found one headed for the dumpster.

It captured the scene when Andy Card came over to whisper to George W. Bush, as he read “The Pet Goat” to schoolchildren in Sarasota, that a second plane had crashed into the World Trade Center.

It was such a pivotal moment in this country’s history, it seemed too important to toss. So I hung it in my office. Continue reading.

At the head of state Health Department, Jan Malcolm is ‘Minnesota’s Dr. Fauci’

Her days are long, filled with press briefings and conference calls, but she retains her frank, calm delivery.

It was two months into the national crisis, and Jan Malcolm was calm, sitting with a pen and paper, fielding questions on quarantines, testing capacity and the spread of infectious diseases.

As head of Minnesota’s Department of Health, Malcolm reflexively kept coming back to the “public” part of the public health crisis, emphasizing the little things people can do to seize control of their lives at a time when it feels like they have none: Don’t smoke. Get plenty of rest. Wash your hands.

“We can’t be certain what’s ahead of us,” she said, “but the best way to fight back is to take charge of things that are in our control.” Continue reading.

Here are 8 coronavirus failures that prove Trump is a clear and present danger to the United States: Ralph Nader

AlterNet logoTrump ridiculed, then minimized, then delayed the federal government’s response to the coronavirus for weeks. Then finally he wrapped his boastful, confused ego around reality. But Trump is actively pushing programs that will endanger more Americans.

Here’s a brief look at Trump’s pro-contagion activities that leave Americans defenseless in the face of the virus, implemented by his crazed and cruel appointees.

  1. Trump is pushing hard to weaken safety regulations for nursing homes. Weakening these regulations leaves elderly residents vulnerable to infectious diseases, meaning more people will get sick and die. Continue reading.

Pelosi, McConnell clash over next coronavirus bill

The Hill logoSpeaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell(R-Ky.) are publicly at odds over a potential fourth coronavirus package.

The two leaders, whose public relationship has been tense in recent weeks, are taking different tactics on follow-up legislation and sparring through the media on next steps to address the devastating economic and health effects of the pandemic.

The mixed messaging, which comes as lawmakers are out of town until at least April 20, underscores the looming challenge of keeping the congressional response to the coronavirus bipartisan. The first three bills passed with overwhelming support on both sides of the aisle. Continue reading.

Gov. Walz’s COVID-19 Upate: April 5, 2020

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April 5, 2020

Below is an update on the COVID-19 pandemic as it pertains to Minnesota as of 7:00 PM on 4/5/2020.

Updates from the Governor

Today, Governor Walz delivered his second State of the State address remotely from the Governor’s Residence. During his speech, he recognized the new reality facing Minnesotans as COVID-19 disrupts their everyday lives, a reality that far exceeds Minnesota’s harshest winters. But he also pointed out that Minnesotans are resilient people with a deep reserve of courage, optimism, and grit. While there’s no stopping the storm of COVID-19 from hitting Minnesota, we are preparing for it:

  • We are building our hospital capacity so that we can ensure as many Minnesotans as possible receive the care they need when they need it.
  • We are increasing testing to better track the disease.
  • We are increasing ventilators and ICU beds for when people fall ill.
  • We are doing all we can to find more personal protective equipment for the selfless doctors, nurses, first-responders, and so many others on the frontlines against COVID-19.

Continue reading “Gov. Walz’s COVID-19 Upate: April 5, 2020”