Whistleblower warns the coronavirus could bring ‘darkest winter in modern history’
Dr. Rick Bright, a whistleblower who alleged he was removed from his position in the Department of Health and Human Services because he spoke up with concerns about how prepared the U.S. was to deal with the coronavirus, warned a House committee Thursday the pandemic, coupled with a resurgence in seasonal flu, could bring the “darkest winter in modern history.”
Video Transcript
RICK BRIGHT: The American health care system is being taxed to the limit. Our economy is spiraling downward. And our population is being paralyzed by fear, stemming from a lack of a coordinated response and a dearth of accurate, clear communication about the path forward. Americans yearn to get back to work, to open their businesses, and to provide for their families.
I get that. However, what we do must be done carefully with guidance from the best scientific minds. Our window of opportunity is closing. If we fail to improve our response now based on science, I fear the pandemic will get worse and be prolonged. There will be likely a resurgence of COVID-19 this fall. It will be greatly compounded by the challenges of seasonal influenza.
Without better planning 2020 could be the darkest winter in modern history. First and foremost, we need to be truthful with the American people. Americans deserve the truth. The truth must be based on science. We have the world's greatest scientist. Let us lead. Let us speak without fear of retribution.
We must listen. Each of us can and must do our part now. On Tuesday, Dr. Fauci delivered a message in a voice that is clear and trustworthy, as he encouraged us to act with caution as we return to our daily lives. We should listen to him and other scientists sharing their expertise.
While waiting for a cure and a vaccine, which I believe will come, there are things we must do immediately. We must increase the public education about the basics, washing hands, social distancing, appropriate face covering. They are simple but critical steps to buy valuable time until there is vaccine.
We need to ramp up production of essential equipment and supplies, including raw materials and critical components. Shortages of these increase the risk of our frontline health workers. They deserve the best equipment to protect themselves. We need to facilitate equitable distribution of essential equipment and supplies. And finally, we need a national testing strategy.
The virus is here. It's everywhere. We need to be able to find it, isolate it, and stop it. We need to have the right testing for everyone who needs it. We need to be able to trace contacts, isolate, quarantine [? and ?] appropriately while striving to develop a cure.
