Many observers have been left gravely concerned about President Donald Trump’s response to the Coronavirus — or more accurately, the lack thereof. It took him weeks to declare a national emergency over the situation, and the delay was reportedly at least in part because of concern over the declaration’s potential effect on the public image of his administration. Leaders like former President Barack Obama have been helping pick up the slack left by Trump, who, according to polls, is not trusted by majorities of the U.S. This Wednesday, Obama shared an informative message about the future of the “social distancing” that Americans have been told to undertake to curtail Coronavirus spread.
Liking to a piece from The Washington Post, Obama shared:
‘As communities have begun to recognize the importance of social distancing measures to “flatten the curve” on COVID-19 transmission, here’s a sober but useful primer on what we should expect in the coming months:’
In the meantime, remember to check up by phone on elderly or vulnerable friends and neighbors who may need our help.
— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) March 18, 2020
The article, from doctors at the University of Pennsylvania, outlines how the social distancing demands may stick around for awhile after some people may expect. There may even be repeated rounds of social distancing demands, they explain, because — as has taken place in past outbreaks — people’s reintegration into each other’s lives may spark spurts in outbreaks of the virus.
Thus, the article’s authors explain:
‘We need to be thinking in terms of months, not weeks. We need to stop picturing that ubiquitous “flatten the curve” chart and start imagining a roller coaster.’
President Trump himself acknowledged this potential long haul fight at a recent press conference. He commented that the active emergency state currently in place across the U.S. could last until July or August, although to be clear, any current estimates are just that — estimates. Many officials are definitely gearing up for a long struggle, however, because many schools have been closed not just for a week or two but for the entirety of the rest of the term/school year.
The Senate is gearing up to pass a Coronavirus relief package this week that will support some of those left out of work and struggling.
Check out Twitter’s response below…
