Trump Virus Big Lie Number 1: "Sealed borders"

[DonaldsRump]

Dear All:

I am furious with this insane idiot in the White House. He is off his rocker and is obviously attempting to gaslight us into thinking his acts (and failures to act) have saved our country. Virtually ( )everyone on DU would disagree ("Russia, if you're listening, go straight to hell)...

Anyway, I would like to start a series of threads as to how Trump's failings got us to this God-awful point with the worst likely yet to come and how we can best refute it, preserving the evidence. I am calling these "Trump Virus Big Lie Number x", and there will be many such Big Lies!

One of his earliest failings that he is massively lying about now is how his "courageous" decision to seal our borders by stopping Chinese flights massively reduced the risk to the US. I think that is patently absurd.

As far as I can recall, the first concrete measures that the US took date back to January 30, 2020, when alleged restrictions were put on flights originating in China inbound to the US. I can't that directive, but here's another one issued shortly thereafter, with highlighting for key points to focus upon:

DHS Issues Supplemental Instructions for Inbound Flights with Individuals Who Have Been In China
Release Date: February 2, 2020

11 U.S. airports will receive flights carrying passengers from China

WASHINGTON – To protect the American people from exposure to the coronavirus, on Sunday, February 2, 2020, the Acting Secretary Chad F. Wolf issued instructions supplementing a decision issued on January 31, 2020, and directed all flights from China and all passengers who have traveled to China within the last 14 days to be routed through one of eight U.S. airports, effective Sunday, February 2nd, 2020, for flights departing after 5:00 PM Eastern. Three additional airports will be added to the list of airports authorized to receive such flights beginning at various times on Monday, February 3, 2020. At these eleven airports, the United States Government has established enhanced screening procedures and the capacity to quarantine passengers, if needed.

Additionally, U.S. citizens who have been in Hubei province within 14 days of their return will be subject to up to 14 days of mandatory quarantine to ensure they are provided proper medical care and health screening. U.S. citizens who have been in other areas of mainland China within 14 days of their return will undergo proactive entry health screening and up to 14 days of self-quarantine with health monitoring to ensure they have not contracted the virus and do not pose a public health risk. Generally, foreign nationals (other than immediate family of U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and flight crew) who have traveled in China within 14 days of their arrival, will be denied entry into the United States.

“While the overall risk to the American public remains low, funneling all flights with passengers who have recently been in China is the most important and prudent step we can take at this time to decrease the strain on public health officials screening incoming travelers. These steps will also expedite the processing of U.S. citizens returning from China, and ensure resources are focused on the health and safety of the American people,” said DHS Acting Secretary Chad F. Wolf. “We realize this could provide added stress and prolong travel times for some individuals, however public health and security experts agree these measures are necessary to contain the virus and protect the American people. To minimize disruptions, CBP and air carriers are working to identify qualifying passengers before their scheduled flights. Once back in the U.S., it’s imperative that individuals honor self-quarantine directives to help protect the American public.”

“The American public can be assured that DHS and its component agencies are taking decisive action to analyze the threat, minimize risk, and slow the spread of the virus by working closely with CDC health professionals and interagency partners involved in this whole-of-government effort,” he added.

https://www.dhs.gov/news/2020/02/02/dhs-issues-supplemental-instructions-inbound-flights-individuals-who-have-been-china

My understanding was that no one tested. Am I correct in that belief? I definitely recall news reports where inbound passengers clearly said no one tested/screened them. If so, that's a fundamental flaw in the Trump Virus Big Lie Number 1: in other words, there was no testing, so there was no sealing of the borders. I am also not sure whether anyone was quarantined. I am happy to be corrected if wrong.

This self-described brilliant move by Trump saved countless lives, or so he claims. Back then, I would have never thought it was necessary to collect these news reports that I think corroborate my belief. After the surrealism of the past couple of weeks and the gaslighting that is going on, this is one service to our country that all of us can help with to ensure that Trump faces a real day of reckoning on his utter failures.

I do recall that these measures were supposedly next put into place for inbound South Korea and northern Italy-originating flights with the same failings.

If true, this is a total lie. If someone has information on that, and can add on to this, I think we will have demolished this Big Lie.

DR

[Igel]

1. The orders are fairly straightforward.

The land borders were sealed, except for a wide variety of groups and for commerce. Students, workers can cross--as well as those with medical reasons.

Yes, it said "land borders."

Airlines are limited, but there are still reasons that make it permissible. And the last I heard they were screened, not tested. Define "screened". My definition involves being asked questions and having somebody look to see if you obviously look sick, are sneezing, or coughing. But not invasive, so temporal thermometers at worst.

[DonaldsRump]

2. Many, many folks said they were not screened/tested AT ALL, IIRC

That's the point I am trying to corroborate.

[DonaldsRump]

3. Here's an article that helps preserves the arguments

as to why the "travel ban" is a Big Lie:

https://www.factcheck.org/2020/04/trumps-snowballing-china-travel-claim/

[2naSalit]

4. K&R

[DonaldsRump]

5. Here's a good one: we were the 45th country to impose a "travel ban"

such as it was: https://www.democraticunderground.com/100213293640