Pandemic Response - In another reality

[NewJeffCT]

Last edited Thu Apr 2, 2020, 01:52 PM - Edit history (1)

In an alternate world with Hillary Clinton becoming president in January of 2017:

Mid November 2019 – CDC representative in Beijing (sacked by Trump IRL) notifies US CDC of coronavirus and the potential for a pandemic. Dow Jones hits 35,000 for the first time.

Late November 2019 – CDC notifies NSC Pandemic Response team (sacked by Trump), who prepares briefing for President Clinton and also notifies HHS Pandemic Response team (also sacked by Trump).

Early December 2019 – Clinton offers China additional CDC personnel to help fight Coronavirus. State Department issues warning to travelers and businesses. Travelers returning from China are asked to report any medical issues to their doctors and to self-quarantine for several days.

Mid December 2019 – US State Department warns European counterparts of coronavirus dangers from China. Also, gives message to South Korea, Japan and other Asian allies.

Mid December 2019 - US prepares to evacuate personnel from China – and, sends personnel with real PPE to remove them, and then flies them back on special flights, to all be quarantined upon return.

Late December 2019 – US warns businesses and travelers that only essential travel and essential work with China should continue until coronavirus is contained.

Late December 2019 - HHS completes review of available medical supplies, including national emergency stockpiles, pointing potential shortcomings in masks, PPE, ventilators. Suppliers and manufacturers contacted and notified they may be needed soon.

Late December 2019 – Italy and other European countries restrict travel to and from China, following US State Department and CDC guidance. Other countries follow suit.

Early January 2020 – State Department recommends all travelers returning from China self-quarantine for 14 days. Cities with airports that have a large amount of international travel have additional medical supplies moved from government owned locations nearby for easy access.

Early January 2020 – In conjunction with CDC, China implements mandatory lockdown in Wuhan and nearby major cities to stop the spread or coronavirus. Fox News starts 24/7 coverage of coronavirus and demands President Clinton shut down all business and travel with China. Dow Jones hits 40,000 for first time.

Late January 2020 – several cases of coronavirus diagnosed in Los Angeles and New York. Fox News says it marks the end of America civilization as we know it and rips Clinton for allowing people from China into the country. 24/7 coverage of the “Clinton Pandemic” as they call it.

Late January 2020 – a smattering of cases in Europe appear as well. Fox News gets even more shrill.

Later January 2020 – because of extensive preparation by CDC and HHS pandemic infrastructure in preparing local and state level emergency response, coronavirus is contained in the United States to the first few dozen cases.

Early February 2020 – coronavirus is contained throughout the world, with the exception of Wuhan, which remains on lockdown through the end of February.

Mid February 2020 – Fox News complains that the US spends too much on the CDC and HHS because these so-called pandemics never amount to much. Down Jones hits 45,000 for the first time.

[NewJeffCT]

1. Oh well

I guess it was pretty boring

[Polybius]

2. Probably a bit too optimistic

I think we'd still have some bad news and deaths, but probably far fewer. China wouldn't be honest with Hillary either. Possibly even less honest because she would be a much better leader on trade.

[NewJeffCT]

3. No, China would not have been honest

but, the CDC representative in Beijing likley would have known something was up