They REALLY need to produce succinct executive summary notes each day of important developments before putting out these press transcripts. It is really hard and a waste of time to wade through these things looking for nuggets. There must be a secretary in these meetings who could produce useful notes.
These press briefings also have WAY TOO MUCH self-congratulation every day "Great job, Fred. Super job, Gina." Gack. Maybe that helps with team motivation in the meeting, maybe it fools a gullible public that they are doing something good, but that should not get into the notes. In fact, the meeting should get down to business and dispense with that crap entirely.
Here are my take-aways from this press briefing:
- Nursing Homes. Making sure nursing homes are complying with the new standards.
- Airlines. FedGov working closely with airlines on contact information. If a person is tested as positive for the coronavirus, FedGov working with the airlines to get all the information not just about that person, but about who they sat next to and who else was on the flight.
- Suspended all travel coming in from Iran as well as foreign nationals who visit either one of those countries. They are barred from coming into this country for 14 days.
- Established a travel advisory for portions of Italy and portions of South Korea. As of 3/4, fully implemented a screening process where all direct flights from all airports in South Korea and Italy are now being subject to multiple screens before passengers board to come to the United States of America. State Department coordinating with the governments of Italy, the governments of South Korea, and airlines.
- All state laboratories and all university laboratories at the state level can conduct coronavirus tests without any additional assets or resources from the federal government. They have the FDA-approved tests.
- 2,500 test kits with 1.5 million tests going out this week that. Production of test kits is increasing.
- The largest US commercial laboratories have created a consortium to share information and resources. They are conducting a “validation process” on testing. Ultimate objective is to have tests made through these commercial laboratories and commercial providers that your local doctor, your CVS, your MedCheck use.
