In times of crisis accurate situational information is often at a premium and regrettably in short supply. The COVID-19 pandemic is no different.
Media rushes to get information to their readers/viewers. Those paid to form opinions do, the conflict between science, politics and entertainment is real.
Washington State public health authorities just reported the first death from this virus. A patient succumbed at Evergreen Hospital in Kirkland, Washington. The gentleman had underlying medical conditions.
Far too often the ensuing social media melee is simply flinging Molotov cocktails into the fire of fear, uncertainty and doubt (FUD). Helping no one, save for the ego of the one doing the throwing.
To be clear. COVID-19 is a global medical crisis.
States need to step forward
Washington Governor Jay Inslee shared the sum and substance of his call with the United States Vice President when he asked the administration to stick to the science and truth.
Washington state is able to test for COVID-19 in a lab located in Shoreline, significantly reducing the time between test and result. They have the capacity to run ~200 tests per day and have no backlog.
The FUD factor will cause governments, organizations, companies and each of us to make decisions based out of on an abundance of caution, which in my estimation is prudent. Distinguish between purposefully caution and stoking the flames for simply the purpose of creating more FUD.
COVID-19: Doing it right
Let me share an example of how the unknown drove a decision making processes which may have been inconvenient, yet prudent.
A staff member of Bothell High School (Washington state) returned from vacation abroad and a family member had fallen ill days after school had resumed. The staff member self-quarantined and the ill family member was being tested for COVID-19. The school district was notified. North Shore School District superintendent ordered the closure of the school out of an abundance of caution.
Suffice it to say, the internet blew up and conjecture and just wrong-headed opinion and incorrect information rained down from both near and far.
What should have been happening, is superintendent Michelle Ried’s letter being held up as an example of calm and forthrigthness. She provides key information to parents, faculty, staff and students. Explains what is known and unknown. In the end the exercise wasn’t required, as the family member tested NEGATIVE for COVID-19.
Virtuous patience
I urge patience.
Everyone is learning as we go.
FUD helps none of us.
Truthful and factual sharing of well sourced information helps us all.
Thank you for your time,
Christopher Burgess
Additional reading on COVID-19
COVID-19 Prep for Government Employees and Contractors – 28 February
COVID-19 Update for Travelers to and from the United States – 25 February
COVID-19 and Italy (defer travel to Northern Italy) – 27 February