CDC Director: Testing Needed Before Reopening | Talking Points Memo

TPM Article Topics
1

CDC Director Robert Redfield said Monday morning that the availability of swift testing for COVID-19 is crucial before reopening the economy.

This is a companion discussion topic for the original entry at https://talkingpointsmemo.com/?p=1303352
1 Like
2

I’ll bet Cockholster is wishing he had one of my Trebutines about now. Mostly because, after so many firings, it’s losing its allure. He needs some launchings!

[Que: BB King’s “The Thrill Is Gone.”]

5 Likes
3

Redfield added that “clearly” what needs to happen for the reopening is keeping track of numbers of new cases, early case identification, isolation and contact tracing, as well medical and hospital capacity.

“And really start working to build confidence in the community so it has confidence to reopen,” Redfield said.

Redfield also urged for the “aggressive” implementation of widespread antibody testing…

Excuse me, but I do not see anything in there about the president’s TV ratings or re-election or approval poll numbers. Just where does this man get his priorities?

7 Likes
4

So Redfield is joining Fauci on the soon-to-be terminated list?

7 Likes
5

From the “Thank You, Just For Being You” Files

Before Redfield is unceremoniously shot out of a cannon, let us take a moment to savor his praiseful toadying of the Dear Leader.

4 Likes
6

I am partial to accurate…

4 Likes
7

Speaking of Dr. Redfield, when Katie Porter emasculated, I mean questioned, Dr. Redfield about COVID-45 testing, she got him to grudgingly agree that CDC WOULD cover the cost of testing for everyone.

Did that ever come to pass, or was it just another alternate truth coming from the Trump Swamp?

2 Likes
8

If he is saying this out loud in public, then he most surely said it in consultation with Pence and Trump. It would seem that he and Fauci are attempting to stop Trump from making a huge mistake. I am sure that we could get that testing done but it would require a new set of priorities from Republicans and a sacrifice of that ridiculous tax cut.

1 Like
9

Redfield added that “clearly” what needs to happen for the reopening is keeping track of numbers of new cases, early case identification, isolation and contact tracing, as well medical and hospital capacity.

I still don’t know how this is supposed to happen when Trump has done everything in his power to prevent a ramp up of testing capacity. As long as his emphasis is on ”his numbers”, it’s going to hold us back from a public health as well as an economic recovery.

3 Likes
10

Testing everyone several times over is a helluva lot cheaper than constant stimulus measures.

1 Like
11

Is there the slightest doubt in any sane person’s mind that not only are the GOP’s Bible-thumping allies essentially a death cult disguised as 501(c )3 tax-exempt charitable organizations, but that the whole extremely well-funded complex of “economic conservatives” are equally a death cult, so worshiping Mammon that they are willing to make human sacrifices upon its altar, just like the Mayans and the Carthaginians?

6 Likes
12

Is the band starting to play “Nearer My God to Thee” on the deck of the U.S.S. Donnie??

4 Likes
13

To think it all started when two Corinthians walked into a bar…

9 Likes
14

Only if they’re done re-arranging the deck chairs so that they are all open by Easter…

15

Will Fauci make through today ? Seems to be a lot of rumbling going on.

2 Likes
16

And they began their Discourse by requesting dry martinis with Olivets.

1 Like
17

Jesuit, that’s funny!

18

Did anyone bother to ask him why we aren’t using the “foreign tests” (as he put it n NPR last week?)

And were did the rapid tests that trump uses against reporters and visitors. Where did they come from and why aren’t they widely available?

4 Likes
19

And even if he weren’t, there simply isn’t the capacity. On Saturday, Cuomo mentioned the possibility of using the DPA to put production of the test kits needed into high gear.

Great idea, but my best guess is it goes in the pile with things that won’t get done. The Trumpsters still want control of the numbers. They will do anything not to reveal just how many are infected – including sending the infected but asymptomatic back to work.

3 Likes
20

I was wondering the same thing. Do you think he had to pass that comment by the White House?