Trump's Hesitation Caused Worse Coronavirus Impact
We've all been there. A split second decision either made a situation better or worse. When you drive a car, a hesitation in what to do in a specific traffic situation, may cause an accident, an unexpected other driver response, or wishing you had just not hesitated.
With the Coronavirus, Trump has given himself accolades about his wealth of medical knowledge about this new virus, and how he acted early in stopping the Chinese from bringing into the USA.
Did Trump really slow the virus with early action?
POTUS finally suspended travel from China on January 31. On March 2, Trump claimed that by doing so, he saved many lives.
The truth remains to be seen, but the Trump administration and its CDC knew of the coronavirus in late December, 2019. Due to indecision, disbelief about how it could reach the USA, and infighting between various health officials, a full month went by before Chinese were blocked. During that time, the NSC was arguing about how to screen the incoming Chinese. The NSC proposed strict and aggressive travel guidelines in mid-January. But Trump hesitated, fearing economic fallout from halting Chinese from entering the USA.
On Jan.3, Dr. Fu of China's disease control informed American CDC, that the Wuhan virus was out of control there.
Each day that went by, that Trump hesitated, records show that 14,000 Chinese travelers were allowed to enter the USA, many on the west coast. One of those was from Wuhan with the virus. They landed in Seattle, Washington. Shortly afterwards, the first US case was reported. This was mid-January!
Then, Trump continued to downplay the threat and claimed that he had it totally under control. Though concerned, Trump and his health advisers debated about how to control it from January 22 till the 31st.
Finally, Trump banned all non-citizens from China from entering the USA on Jan.31, a day after the WHO said it was a pandemic. As one can see, the confusion and hesitation as to what to do allowed at least 100,000 Chinese to enter the USA during the many days prior to Jan. 31st.
Astonishing ineptness. Especially, when the CDC had been informed of the uncontrollable outbreak from Chinese officials on Jan. 3. Had Trump issued that ban on Jan 5, instead on the 31st, America would be in far better shape than now.