Wednesday, March 11, 2020

Incompetence of Trump Administration On Full Display While Coronavirus Ravages the Nation

Trump's Health and Human Services secretary was forced to admit that if Americans want to be tested for coronavirus, they CAN'T have one-- contradicting what Trump has repeatedly said.  According to Alex Azar,  people who believe they have coronavirus have to convince a doctor to order them a test.

The Seattle nursing home at the epicenter of the coronavirus outbreak (linked to the deaths of 19 elderly patients) says it has STILL no kits to test 65 employees who are showing symptoms of the virus.  The staffers, representing more than one-third of workers at Life Care Center in Kirkland, Washington, are currently at home sick. Incredibly, it's still unclear why it had not been given kits for staff even as the University of Washington offered to process tests.  The incompetency of Azar's HHS  is appalling.

On the east coast, the governor of New York has ordered the state National Guard to enforce a 1-mile quarantine around the single biggest cluster of cases in Yonkers, NY.   The entire town will be shut down and everyone forced to stay home for two weeks-- food will be delivered to resident's doorsteps.

Meanwhile, Trump wants a bailout for the shale oil and cruise ship industries-- but no paid sick leave or free diagnosis and testing for sick Americans.  Nancy Pelosi proposed paid sick leave for those impacted by coronavirus, widespread and free coronavirus testing access, expanding programs like food stamps and reimbursing patients for costs related to the fast-spreading respiratory virus not covered by insurance.

Mike Pence also unveiled new guidance for Americans, saying people should STOP shaking hands-- but then admitted that Trump won't follow that advice.

Trump also keeps trying to bullshit his way through the crisis, telling the public "Just stay calm.  It will go away."  In reality, the total number of coronavirus infections jumped nearly 50% in 24 hours.  Just last night, confirmed cases topped 1,000.

"We're prepared and doing a great job with it," Trump added.  Nobody believes him anymore.

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