After providing misinformation in several press conferences and briefings—including deadly inaccurate medical advice—President Donald Trump's response to the global pandemic is drawing criticism from around the world.
Now with the Trump administration's push to end social distancing efforts in order to boost the economy—and profits at Trump Organization businesses—experts in public health and epidemiology are urging the public to make good choices despite the GOP backing Trump's play.
A new expert entered the conversation Wednesday. Only this expert knows how to be a President who thinks of the well-being of the people of the United States over profits for big businesses.
President Barack Obama shared an article detailing the public health crisis playing out in the United States largest city right now on Twitter Wednesday morning.
Obama captioned the post:
"These are the burdens our medical heroes already face in NYC. It's only going to get harder across the country."
"Another reason to maintain social distancing policies at least until we have comprehensive testing in place."
"Not just for our sake—for theirs."
These are the burdens our medical heroes already face in NYC. It's only going to get harder across the country. Ano… https://t.co/trAELIbkTY— Barack Obama (@Barack Obama) 1585145511.0
@BarackObama You must know that you're still president in the minds of over half of America.— Devin Duke (@Devin Duke) 1585146351.0
Despite never mentioning Trump, many saw the post as a clear indictment by the 44th President of the 45th President's failure to properly address the global pandemic.
@BarackObama Imagine being Barack Obama, a man who cares so much for all the Americans he met and didn't meet as Pr… https://t.co/h32IZ1iDKY— Andy Jones (@Andy Jones) 1585146821.0
@BarackObama Donald Trump knew in January dangers of Coronavirus. Didn’t buy, produce mass tests. Didn’t push socia… https://t.co/hQlEjNqwNK— ♻️🇺🇸 Christopher Zullo (@♻️🇺🇸 Christopher Zullo) 1585145777.0
Some offered their own solutions, like encouraging people to use telemedicine.
@BarackObama One way to address the burdens for healthcare workers, in addition to social distancing, is to leverag… https://t.co/nISOMtTuxC— Eugene Gu, MD (@Eugene Gu, MD) 1585145743.0
@BarackObama That’s why for patients 65 and older, we are offering free telemedicine visits and screening for the c… https://t.co/Pf9fCDC7Kr— Eugene Gu, MD (@Eugene Gu, MD) 1585145963.0
Of course, Trump does have his fans who will attack anyone who doesn't show proper fealty, including someone offering medical help during a public health crisis.
@Chelle_Renee_ @eugenegu @BarackObama Yeah sorry to burst your bubble but he hasn't been practicing medicine for a long time now.— Angel (@Angel) 1585151044.0
@AngelofRNGesus @Chelle_Renee_ @eugenegu @BarackObama Who Trump? According to his record he's only been Dr. Trump s… https://t.co/czmbIXKB1E— RIP9958 (@RIP9958) 1585174959.0
But the majority of responses were decidedly not fans of President Trump's pandemic performance.
@BarackObama https://t.co/HwxKWXotfi— 🦦Marie-Caroline🦥 (@🦦Marie-Caroline🦥) 1585145594.0
@BarackObama https://t.co/jYZXoi35l4— Amber waves of grain 🛹🕶 (@Amber waves of grain 🛹🕶) 1585145658.0
People asked for guidance from former Presidents during this time of unease.
@medit8now @BarackObama PLEASE GIVE AN ADDRESS!!!! Team up with Presidents Bush and Carter and do a televised remot… https://t.co/2dDrUsk4pR— Robin L (@Robin L) 1585145726.0
@RobinLuvsDisney @medit8now @BarackObama @JoeBiden @BernieSanders @MittRomney @algore Brilliant idea!! It's what th… https://t.co/oASOiSo84L— #FlyEaglesFly 🦅 (@#FlyEaglesFly 🦅) 1585146202.0
@BarackObama Oh President Obama; we so very much miss your kind and caring heart. Stay healthy; be well, and KNOW America loves you.— Carol ✍🏼 (@Carol ✍🏼) 1585145910.0
And one person suggested the type of social distancing that would benefit people the most.
@BarackObama Be 6 feet apart Not 6 feet under #coronavirus #covid19 https://t.co/hT8IPLOzPh— krupali MD (@krupali MD) 1585145622.0
Experts in public health and infectious diseases recommend social distancing for all people, frequent hand washing, wiping down with antiseptics of frequently touched surfaces, avoiding touching your face when you are out in public and self isolation or quarantine if you think you have been exposed to the virus.
While the Trump administration and their Republican allies are pushing people to return to work, for schools to reopen and for business to return to normal by March 30, people need to decide whose advice will protect their life and the lives of their loved ones.