There is a very difficult decision between balancing the economic needs of the nation and the fight against the coronavirus, White House coronavirus response coordinator Dr. Deborah Birx told NBC’s “Today” show on Tuesday in response to President Donald Trump’s assertion that the shutdown of many businesses in the U.S. would last weeks, not months.
When asked about Trump's remark that "we can't have the cure be worse than the problem itself," Birx said, "There’s a fine line and a place to go that balances the needs of the American people both today and tomorrow with the reality of the epidemic,” explaining that they are many elements to factor in when making such a decision.
The doctor said it is crucial to" be laser-focused rather than generic across the country" in the fight against the spread of the virus.”
Asked if such a technique to isolate hot spots of the coronavirus while those in other parts of the country go back to work is even feasible, Birk said, “I think that is the question that we are all looking at very carefully. …We’re getting critical information now from all of the front lines."
Responding to a question if she thought Trump would listen to expert advice such as hers that the shutdown must continue even if it severely harms the economy in order to save many lives, Birx said “I am confident that the president has listened to and seen all of our data as it involves. I think you can see that the president over these three weeks has been very focused on what all Americans need both economically and public health-wise."
Brian Freeman ✉
Brian Freeman, a Newsmax writer based in Israel, has more than three decades writing and editing about culture and politics for newspapers, online and television.
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