Viral Rhetoric Around COVID-19
Well, I am sure by now you all are aware of the word 'Coronavirus'. The outbreak that originated in Wuhan, China late last year has reuslted in mass-shutdowns in the United States, including institiutions, schools, government offices, and places of work. With now 12 confirmed cases in the state of Indiana, this week Ball State University announced all classes were to be moved online by March 16th -- resulting in an immediate rush of questions, panic, and uncertainty.
Amidst the miasma of doubt surrounding COVID-19, the disease attibuted to the solar-structured Coronavirus, the United States government has seemed to be stumbling to prevent or mitigate further damage from the illness. With now more than 1,000 cases in the U.S. and a death rate surpassing Italy's (which just last week was entirely quarantined), many critics have suggested President Trump and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell have done little to help the situation.
Many on the right insinuate that the virus itself is a hoax perpetrated by the left to dampen the President's election chances. This rhetoric was boosted by the President's own assertion that, "Democrats are politicizing" the virus at the rally in North Carolina. This has lead to many on social media to downplay the risk attributed to the virus.
While many question the actuality of the virus, it continues to take lives. As of this morning, statistics have pointed to an increase from 1,600 cases to over 2,400 in the last two days. It remains to be seen if these deaths are a hoax as well. Some experts are saying that without proper protocol in place, the United States may see more than 200 million cases and over 1.7 million deaths. For context, the flu kills around 38,000 people a year. Unfortunately, the President dismantled his own pandemic response team, using former National Security Advisor, John Bolton, to disband a global health security team.
On the flipside, Democrats this week have attempted to pass two bills aimed at controlling potential economic and health losses from the outbreak. Early this morning, around 1 am, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi announced the passage of a House Bill that would ensure guarantee sick leave, paid time off, free testing, and expansion of Medicare and Medicaid benefits.
Unfortunately, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell was on paid leave. A vote will have to take place early next week, with many Americans still awaiting a basic test.
Amidst the miasma of doubt surrounding COVID-19, the disease attibuted to the solar-structured Coronavirus, the United States government has seemed to be stumbling to prevent or mitigate further damage from the illness. With now more than 1,000 cases in the U.S. and a death rate surpassing Italy's (which just last week was entirely quarantined), many critics have suggested President Trump and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell have done little to help the situation.
Many on the right insinuate that the virus itself is a hoax perpetrated by the left to dampen the President's election chances. This rhetoric was boosted by the President's own assertion that, "Democrats are politicizing" the virus at the rally in North Carolina. This has lead to many on social media to downplay the risk attributed to the virus.
While many question the actuality of the virus, it continues to take lives. As of this morning, statistics have pointed to an increase from 1,600 cases to over 2,400 in the last two days. It remains to be seen if these deaths are a hoax as well. Some experts are saying that without proper protocol in place, the United States may see more than 200 million cases and over 1.7 million deaths. For context, the flu kills around 38,000 people a year. Unfortunately, the President dismantled his own pandemic response team, using former National Security Advisor, John Bolton, to disband a global health security team.
On the flipside, Democrats this week have attempted to pass two bills aimed at controlling potential economic and health losses from the outbreak. Early this morning, around 1 am, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi announced the passage of a House Bill that would ensure guarantee sick leave, paid time off, free testing, and expansion of Medicare and Medicaid benefits.
Unfortunately, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell was on paid leave. A vote will have to take place early next week, with many Americans still awaiting a basic test.
The coronavirus is certainly not a hoax as some may have wished it to be. The government truly did attempt to push it off as a problem until ultimately, it has become to much to ignore. The results from this total shutdown are yet to be seen and are wildly predicted. How will the government react and what will it institute to help? The questions rise along with the pressure from thousands of families who look pay check to pay check for their needed resources.
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