Coronavirus Presents Great Opportunities To Become Closer
March 25, 2020
Coronavirus Is Not Only Infecting And Killing But Exposing
April 17, 2020Public Deserves Timely And Factual Information
Many people have always been weary and mistrustful of politicians and the government. But more than ever, the public deserves timely and factual information as we confront a major health care crisis. The coronavirus has the potential of wreaking catastrophic havoc across the country, the level of spread and resulting deaths the likes of which we have never seen in America.
Just imagine. It was only a few weeks ago that most of us were going about our daily activities, without having a clue about how drastically our lives would change, or how quickly it did.
How could the most advanced, and purportedly, the richest country in the world be caught so unprepared to head-off and prevent a virus that is knocking it to its knees? The public deserves timely and factual information, rather than inaccurate and incomplete stories and statements we are getting from those in charge on a daily basis.
Not only are thousands of Americans being infected daily and hundreds dying at an accelerating rate, but our way of life has basically ceased. Businesses have shuttered. Schools have closed. People have been ordered to stay at home. Worst of all, first responders, health care providers in hospitals, nursing homes, and other facilities are ill-prepared and ill-equipped to take care of the thousands that are falling ill with the coronavirus every day.
Public Deserves Timely and Factual Information.
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On one day, the public is told that adequate testing is being done. The next day the public is told that there is a shortage of tests, but more are on the way. One day, the public is told that hospitals will have enough personal protection equipment for nurses and doctors. The next day, the public is told the country is running out of equipment as the disease continues to spread. The public deserves timely and factual information from elected officials and administrators.
There is enough blame to go around as to why the public health system was caught so unprepared to deal with a pandemic like the coronavirus. Playing the political partisan blame game only makes bad matters worse. But failing to be upfront with the public about information that is known is inexcusable. It seriously and negatively effects our ability to achieve the best outcomes—short term and long term.
Not taking tough measures to stop the infections and deaths, and making it clear to the public as to why such measures are necessary, is criminal. Being honest about our state of readiness or the lack thereof, and what needs to be done now and in the future will be the only thing that saves lives.
What will it take to get America back on a solid economic footing, once the virus is under control? The public deserves timely and factual information to enable us all to meet the challenges, in restoring our personal and economic health.
43 Comments
I agree, everything that’s happening and the erratic news updates have put everyone on an emotional roller-coaster. If we were more systematically prepared we definitely could have saved some lives and taken away from the gravity of the situation. April will probably be a rough month, but hopefully afterwards things will start to slow down.
Maury, these are times that require strong leadership, and accurate information that will really keep us safe, moving forward.
I agree with you that the government has flip flopped a few times in terms of the information they have been feeding the public. I hope the situation really does improve as many lives depend on it.
Sylvia, we are seeing the results of flip-flopping and inconsistent information. Some people are protesting, and too many are not wearing masks or social distancing. Hopefully, it will not take more people falling ill or dying before we get accurate, complete information and responsible behavior from the public.
If the public is misinformed, the virus could spread uncontrollably. As such, timely and factual information is very vital.
Absolutely!
We should recognize that this is not the time for blame. It is best we come up with measures that will hep us curb the virus.
It would be so good if the leadership could put politics and blame aside. We all need to work together to stop the spread of the virus, at every level.
With so many people dying at least the government is now taking things a bit more seriously. Let’s just hope it’s not too late.
I think over time the government has improved in terms of how it shares information on the coronavirus with the public. Initially they were a bit ineffective.
Yes, we are seeing the government rely more on medical experts, which will help arrive at solutions.
Yes, I really agree with this. The government should provide timely and accurate information. Especially in this time of crisis. People should have the right to know what is really happening.
You are right, Mark. Knowing the facts can only help us come up with and implement the best solutions.
The government hasn’t exactly been completely honest with the public when it comes to sharing information about the virus and testing. That should change sooner rather than later if we are to win this war.
Teddy, you are so correct!
This virus has changed life so much. I have never witnessed anything like this.
Yes, Daphne. We have not seen anything like this. There have been pandemics in history, the last in 1918 with the Spanish flu. We still are not sure where all of this will end. But, let us try to be as vigilant and as careful as we can be. Stay safe.
“How could the most advanced, and purportedly, the richest country in the world be caught so unprepared to head-off and prevent a virus that is knocking it to its knees?” These are my exact sentiments.
Oliver, America should have definitely been better prepared! Hopefully, this will motivate the public health system at all levels to be better prepared should be face another health crisis of pandemic proportions.
The government was caught so unprepared by this pandemic. Let’s hope they learn something important from the entire experience.
I absolutely agree, Patricia!
Fake news has proliferated our networks to a sickening extent nowadays. It a very sad state of affairs.
Meg, so sad, indeed. We must become smart consumers, checking several reliable news outlets. You can then discern truth from misrepresentation.
With a pandemic like the coronavirus, the public has never been more in need of timely and factual information. I totally agree with you on this one Janice.
So true, Roy!
Everyone with timely and factual information will be glad. So I support the said topic that tha Public Deserves Timely And Factual Information. Thanks for taking time to put this together.
Thank you, Oyeyipo, for your feedback!
Yes especially now but it seems that the ones on the helm does not take it seriously. Sorry nut to be honest based on what I am seeing on the news lately it seems that being a head of a state is useless. In the US for example officials are clowns rather than lead the nation correctly.
You are right, Scott, there is a real leadership void when the nation, and the world, need it to mount a coordinated effort to address the coronavirus. Things have to get better for all of us!
The pu lic deserves the best, timely and factual information even more in this time of a global pandemic. Even the so called No.1 nation I the world cant boost of this reliable and timely info. God help us
Prince, unfortunately, we have not received timely and reliable information. It has crippled our national and global response to this pandemic. We cannot afford to despair. The people must insist that leadership do the right thing.
Please say it loud and clear to everyone that needs this information. Fake information should be stopped at this point to avoid panicking by people.
I so agree with you, Emma!
I absolutely agree that the public and citizens has the right to know what’s going on. We need timely and factual information especially on he media. Some people rely on news watched on television so get the fact straight.
Janine, we will need to listen to more than one source to get the facts. Most news outlets function with high integrity. The problem is the fake news outlets often are the loudest and get the most attention.
yes, the virus is a scary topic and our politicians have a responsibility to help. but we must keep in mind that the answer comes from us. contain the virus and prevent it from spreading and let them help us in the safest way possible.
Tricia, you are absolutely right. We all have a role to play in stopping the coronavirus. It will take all of us to practice good health habits per the medical experts to reduce and avoid infection and/or death.
How could the most advanced, and purportedly, the richest country in the world be caught so unprepared to head-off and prevent a virus that is knocking it to its knees? ANswer: nonchalant attitude of our leaders and their priority isnt for the populace but a re-election propaganda. Well I can add self centred ness
Wilson, you are absolutely right!. We, the people, have the power to make a change as we really get to know those seeking our vote BEFORE they get in office. We must not only vote, but work to defeat any elected official who does not make decisions in the public’s best interest. America’s response to the virus is inexcusable.
Totally agreed with you, it is high time people receive timely and factual information, rather than inaccurate and incomplete stories and statements we are getting from those in charge on a daily basis. The time is now to fight this pandemic.
Regina, things are improving but they still need to get so much better!
The government should not hide any info to the public. The public has the right to know what is going on in the world.
You are so right, Judith!