Monday morning thoughts from a primary care provider & family doctor in Seattle on COVID-19, starting with: we are underprepared as a nation to manage this. I'll explain why: (1/10)
@KCPubHealth has done a fantastic job of communicating w/health care providers in our region since the outbreak in Wuhan began & is working over-time to support the public & health care workers. But @ every level our country's public health infrastructure is underprepared (2/10)
The current administration has underfunded and undermined our nation's public health infrastructure starting from the highest levels: snopes.com/fact-check/tru… (3/10)
Diagnostic testing at the local level is limited, one of the many reasons why community transmission has been occurring under the radar, likely for weeks: nytimes.com/2020/03/01/hea… (4/10)
As a society our response to this outbreak has a disturbing ableist narrative: don't worry, your kids are unlikely to be affected. Those of you who are young & healthy are also okay. The reality is *most* people will still have mild infxn, but those most @ risk matter too. (5/10)
We are telling people to stay home to prevent the spread of infection, but many US workers lack sick days to do so: nytimes.com/2020/03/01/ups… (6/10)
Meanwhile, the Public Charge rule went into effect on 2/24/20. Those who are undocumented & access public services will be @ risk of becoming ineligible for green cards & visas in the future. Many will be afraid to get help for suspected infection. (7/10)
As a country, we should expect better than this. We need to adequately fund our public health services and allow public health leaders to speak freely in an epidemic, without having to pass messaging through a political filter. cnn.com/2020/02/27/pol… (8/10)
Much of this you have the power to change with your voice & your vote. Let's not be so unprepared next time. (9/10)
For now: #WashYourHands, cover your mouth and sneeze with your elbow when you cough/sneeze, stay home when sick *if you can*, come to @HealthPointCHC if you are in King County & scared to get help b/c of the Public Charge Rule. And please, take care of each other. (10/10)
