@DWABoat - It's multifaceted...First, we had the advantage of time and squandered it. We had many people who are decision makers downplaying it and showing incompetence by their inaction. Further, it seems to me the inaction was likely due to not wanting to pay for it.
But, mainly the comparison I'm making is at the care level and the PPE of our clinicians. We had similar failures during the Ebola scare and apparently learned nothing. My observations are anecdotal and based on reports and observations and clinicians confiding in me. But, when we have a system where our clinicians are told to treat patients with C-19 and they are not given masks or tyvek gear, I find it abysmal.
We now have manufacturers ramping up production of PPE and vents, but why did it take so long? People will die because of the delay.
The goal has to be to stay ahead of the curve. I hope we can do it before we have to make decisions as to who gets access to medical equipment, etc. I understand there is a discussion now in the hospital community about mandatory DNR orders because the staff can't be protected.
I find it abysmal because we could have done better.
In regards to the lock downs, hands down a totalitarian regime has a huge advantage implementing a policy like this. Further, our cultural and behavioral differences are dramatically different.
At this point, I hope we get accurate data so that we can assess the situation and stay ahead of the curve.
I think yesterday was impactful for some because we surpassed all other nations for confirmed cases. To me, it was obviously going to happen. If I was to guess, I think we will double the cases in the next week and we will have to see how certain areas hold up.
Lastly, I'm on record here explaining the importance of masks in the general population. If we had production and inventory I'm fairly certain the guidance would be to wear at all times while in populated areas. The only countries not providing this guidance are the ones without the supplies.
Anecdotal - Yes, we are at our best as armchair quarterbacks; but I say this in complete respect as you appear to have insight more than many. A couple of thing for consideration however:
- From the federal level and even the municipality level (in the case of NY), government is too big to be agile and simply cannot reflex timely; we must admit however they have been pulling out the stops and getting things done most recently. With that said, the authors and promoters of the unrelated earmarks in the recovery bill should be burned at the stake; your opportunity comes in November.
- We have no clue how China actually responded and how they are managing their related issues; if one believes our Press de facto, they are then grossly ignorant. Hmmm, I must say then we are therefore ignorant as all of our press is corrupt.
- From a medical supply aspect, almost everything has a shelf life even particulate masks and it's not years. So expecting instantaneous "production and supply" implies excess manufacturing capability and stockpiling to an unprecedented quantity with massive continuous stock rotation which simply isn't in the DNA of society no matter the politics. The nuclear fallout shelters in the 60's (if you are old enough to remember) are a good example.
- This virus is transmitted not uniquely through human bodily fluids but pandemically, malady can transmit through a variety of means - bird droppings, drinking water, airborne, etc. How would we have "done better" with this in mind?
- Unfortunately, our political atmosphere and the behavior of our elected representatives inhibited a unified collective early on to get more in front of the issue; this may be the real lesson to be learned.
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