Thread by @juliettekayyem

I want to be very clear what is happening if Trump WH is true to form. As reported, they are losing patience; 15 days is now their focus. Counter Fauci's statements this weekend; a surgeon general, more excited than he's ever been, this am urging everyone to stay in this week. 1/

https://twitter.com/juliettekayyem/status/1242034508616142848

The health folks need this week to deliver; need to show some (totally unrealistic) progress to make sure Trump doesn't carelessly open up (as if he's closed anything; 50% still living life just fine). Fauci setting up for resignation or firing, no other way to see interviews.2/

Surgeon General essentially begging on tv today for the whole nation to go inside, absent strong Presidential guidance (compare every other country). The 'open up next week' crowd, given space in editorial pages and FOX, are flat earthers: they ignore the massive, untenable, 3/

heartless, and equally economically devastating impacts of a non-suppression, just let the virus out, policy. Don't buy their we can still protect vulnerable populations take -- this thing is killing healthy young men. 4/

We can't get to steady state suppression without a massive surge of tests and capacity. No nation can survive with its health system at triage; other health issues will not be cared for. No company can thrive with the vagaries of openings and closures. 5/

Our goal is to get to "managing" #coronavirus until we get a vaccine. That can't happen until we control the pool sick and can care for those who are. It's the reality. Weeks, maybe, if we get our act together. Nothing would make me happier. 6/

But Trump is giving his health team 15 days, a week from Tuesday. So let's help Fauci, Surgeon General, etc. deliver and stay inside. If only Trump would deliver on his side: surge the resources and get us to steady state. It's not rocket science. Only planning is required. 7/

And patience. I am not a doctor. I help manage acceptable losses. We all want to get there, to a time when we can manage death and open up again. Weeks? Maybe. So, let's surge. Here, read it in long form. 8/8 @theatlantic.
theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/…