"On the plains of hesitation bleach the bones
of millions, who at the dawn of decision sat
down to wait, and waiting, died."
— George W. Cecil
In confronting the novel COVID-19 pandemic on its own ground, the United States struggled, while other countries simultaneously threatened nimbly met and at least stalled the menace, a sobering realization that the self-declared “most powerful nation in the world” abjectly faltered in countering a recognizably major health assault destined to gallop globally.
Conspicuously, the U.S., its leadership deliberately choosing blind denial rather than automatic response when the swiftly spreading disease approached these shores, squandered valuable protection time, inflicting deadly catch-up confusion.
Some of the brightest minds on infectious disease, epidemiology and reactive health measures, residing, researching and teaching in this country, did rally to its aid, only to be second-guessed by a White House blundering, stumbling and even issuing remedy advice more harmful than helpful.
One of the most stupefyingly ludicrous snake oil prescriptions: Commercial disinfectant. (Injected? Swallowed?) Or perhaps light and heat introduced to the body cavity. (Down the esophagus? From some other orifice?)
And while alarmed disinfectant producers quickly warned against using any of their products in this manner, and reputable health professionals rolled their eyes in dismay, more opportunity was wasted in disarming public doubts and fears, even as a chastened president lamely claimed he was merely attempting “sarcasm.” At a moment obviously unsuitable for clowning.
If a nation’s renown is amplified following this current worldwide calamity by successfully relying on urgent measures, whether innovative or drastic, restoring some essential normalcy, that leadership will deserve such acclaim.
Arriving eventually, but tragically late, to its inescapable obligations, resorting to useless notions, precious little planning and pitifully inept inspirational foresight, the White House earns no laurels.
Its chronic excuse, that incoming flights from China, site of the pandemic’s initiating location, were interrupted, waywardly misses the crucial point. Since ocean-going cruise ships were identifying as floating infirmaries for COVID-19 victims and countless China-departing airline customers had already arrived at various destinations, needed was prompt testing for travelers arriving from “hot spots” followed by locating all who might have been in contact with those registering “positive.”
South Korean leadership, instantly alert to a budding epidemic, deftly organized effective testing, tracing and quarantining, lowering lethal virus levels to zero mortality tolls within three months. Nationwide when its COVID-19 fatality rate declined, South Korea had counted but 243 deaths, among 10,738 cases. By the same point, the U.S, had recorded 986,606 cases and approximately 55,000 patient fatalities. As its infection rates continued climbing.
Moreover, a Columbia University study reportedly concluded the tardy U.S. response needlessly cost upwards of 35,000 American lives.
Lamentably, then, the current administration permanently owns the forlorn historical fact that, rather than deftly, effectively mount immediate defenses against a clearly deadly plague, it negligently chose otherwise. In effect, to “sit and wait.”
Harry Fuller, Park City, retired, is a former Salt Lake Tribune chief editorial writer and editorial page editor.