Thread by @davidalim

Messaging on #COVID19 from present and former government officials is drastically changing today - but if you've been paying attention, it is consistent with what @DrNancyM_CDC said two weeks ago.

"Disruption to everyday life might be severe," she warned. (1/n)

The World Health Organization has been slow to call #COVID19 a pandemic. But that is where we are today, experts tell me.

I've struggled immensely to determine what is appropriate language to use and which stories are responsible to write. I joined @POLITICO in January. (2/n)

This morning, President Donald Trump's former FDA Commissioner @ScottGottliebMD laid out in stark terms how quickly everyday life will change in the USA.

Locking down cities. Preemptive bailouts of small businesses. The potential for an overrun health system. (3/n)

Meanwhile, @NIH's Tony Fauci noted that we are rapidly detecting cases of community spread that have been already circulating.

He didn't rule out mitigation strategies similar to what Italy is doing - locking down 1/4th of its population. (4/n)

The CDC is recommending those at higher risk (elderly, those with underlying health conditions) stock up on medications and food so they can "stay at home for a period of time."

CDC also recommends they avoid crowds "as much as possible."

cdc.gov/coronavirus/20… (5/n)

The United States has confirmed cases in most states already. Public health experts have been calling for social distancing for some time now.

Yet @ByTimBooth reported over 30,000 people attended a @SoundersFC match last night in Seattle, the center of an outbreak. (6/n)

The presidential campaign is still in full swing.

President Donald Trump has said his campaign rallies will continue. And I haven't seen anything different indicated from Bernie Sanders or Joe Biden.

Eventually we'll have to grapple with if that is responsible. (7/n)

I've been candid when talking to sources about the #COVID19 testing capacity of the USA.

A reporter never wants to be wrong.

But I've never wanted so badly to have a correction on one of my stories.

I hope we can run as many tests as possible, starting immediately. (8/n)

It feels inadequate to say this. But still:

1.) Stay home if you are sick. Even if you are a healthy 20-something like myself. Don't expose the vulnerable.
2.) Wash your hands. Frequently. For at least 20 seconds.
3.) Listen to public health authorities. (9/n)

I'm lucky. I can do my job remotely. And I'll do my best to do it soberly, responsibly and accurately.

This pandemic is going to hurt the poor, the old, the parts of our society that are already struggling day to day. (10/n)

I don't really have a good way to end this #COVID19 thread. I failed at staying off Twitter this weekend.

But I'll leave you with one of my favorite songs, which seems timely right now. (11/11)

This Year by the @mountain_goats:

I should clarify: Gottlieb suggested shutting down businesses and major gatherings - not quarantining and stopping travel to impacted cities.