@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.
