Thread by @T_Inglesby

Some constructive reactions to the continued highly alarming rise in COVID cases and hospitalizations in many US states, and some comments and decisions that threaten to make national COVID epidemic worse. Evidence of both in this article: washingtonpost.com/politics/as-co… 1/x

On the constructive side, TX Gov required masks in public. And earlier in week AZ Gov ordered 30 day suspension of bars and some businesses which have large indoor gatherings (though unfortunately seems to not have included casinos, large indoor restaurants, entertainment?). 2/x

Also valuable: this clear assessment: "Earlier this week, Federal Reserve Chair Jerome H. Powell warned Congress that unless the virus is brought under control, the nation’s economic outlook is “extraordinarily uncertain.” 3/x

To get the US economy back, we need to control COVID in the US. Many countries have controlled COVID well -- it will be a tough road for the US to get there now, but getting disease under control needs to be our goal. 4/x

Good to see Vice President speaking now strongly in favor of masks in public. Every top leader should say this is the right thing to do. Not a complicated or political message. And every leader should be wearing them in public. Also does not need to be complicated. 5/x

Very discouraging that Vice President still saying he is looking forward to seeing a huge political convention in Florida happen in one month. All leaders should be discouraging large gatherings now. 6/x

Also discouraging White House return to theme that these are “fires” or “flames” that will be put out. Fires make it seem like problem is in a limited number of spots. But its not. We need wholesale resetting of course in many places where things are surging exponentially.7/x

Also very concerning to see political leaders disparaging Drs. Fauci and Birx in last few days, with one example here texastribune.org/2020/07/01/tex… 8/x

Heading into 4th of July, leaders should celebrate and honor great American strength in science which has helped create great prosperity for the US. And should recognize, including publicly, that we’ll need best science and innovation to get us out of COVID national crisis./end